About Dr Rod Martin

Location: Armidale, NSW

Rod has been a Rural Generalist for nearly 20 years. Born in Lismore he was raised in Brisbane and was originally a research scientist before commencing medical studies at the University of Queensland. Rod’s time with ACRRM started as a medical student in 1999. After Internship in Brisbane and St George in Western Qld, he continued on the RG path as an RVTS Registrar in Theodore Qld with Bruce Chater, before completing Anaesthetic and Obstetric training in Armidale NSW and becoming a Fellow of the College.

Rod has been a Senior Lecturer in Rural Medicine and Critical Care since the foundation of the UNE School of Rural Medicine. He continues to teach medical students, as well as serving as a VMO in Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, and Emergency Medicine, and as a Practice Associate of Health on Rusden. Most recently, he and wife Deborah have co-founded Observa Care, a Remote Patient Monitoring service company focused on addressing rural and remote health needs.

Rod has enjoyed serving on many College committees, has been examined by the College and has been an examiner for over 15 years. He has been on Council as the NSW representative on Council for nearly ten years over the span of five Presidents. He teaches and contributes to many of the courses offered by ACRRM and has been active in building curriculum areas including palliative care and continues to assist the College in developing a new Rural Point of Care Ultrasound course. Away from College Rod has sat on boards for RVTS, RRQC, GP Synergy and its precursor, NEATS and was treasurer for RDAQ and RDANSW.

When at home Rod tries to keep a couple of beehives happy and sooner or later will get on to making some mead with the excess honey. To stay healthy and centred he is a regular (and possibly addicted) swimmer complete with head up display goggles. He took up open water swimming during COVID and this has morphed into cold water swimming, completing an Ice Mile in September 2022.

Rod and wife Deborah have three adult daughters and are enjoying working together to grow Observa Care, which allows them to combine their rural experience with their commitment to improving health for regional Australians.

Contact: nsw@acrrm.org.au