ACRRM welcomes announcement of Rural Health Commissioner, Prof Paul Worley

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) has today welcomed the news of Prof Paul Worley's appointment as the first National Rural Health Commissioner.

The announcement was made by the Hon. Dr. David Gillespie, MP, in Melbourne this morning.

The College extends congratulations to Prof Worley and looks forward to working with him on a range of issues that affect the health of rural and remote communities, with the first priority to be the establishment of a National Rural Generalist Pathway.

Prof Worley has previously held positions with Flinders University as an academic and a key player in strengthening the exposure of medical students to rural health. His experience at Flinders University and with the Prevocational General Practice Placements Program and the John Flynn Scholarship Scheme give him a vast knowledge of student experience and expectations in rural placements, offering insight into the challenges of rural practice.

ACRRM President Associate Professor Ruth Stewart said she's particularly looking forward to the leadership role Prof Worley will play in this process.

"The College has been working towards the adoption of a National Rural Generalist Pathway for a number of years, and we are pleased that this important initiative will now have a national leader with such a depth of experience" said A/Prof Stewart.

"This shows an ongoing, sustained commitment to health and health services in rural and remote communities.

"The development of the Pathway should establish a clear definition of rural generalist practice, provide the necessary training in a range of advanced skills and then support doctors in meeting the diverse and often complex health care needs of rural and remote communities."

A/Prof Stewart says that the appointment of the Commissioner is a step forward in solving the workforce maldistribution that sees an ongoing shortage in the numbers of skilled workers in rural and remote communities.

"Although we often hear of an oversupply of doctors and a lack of training positions, we also hear of rural and remote communities that are closing practices or operating hospitals on skeleton staff.

"A National Rural Generalist Pathway could positively impact the maldistribution of GPs and health workers by giving students and interns a clear training and career pathway followed by appropriate recognition and reward for rural generalist practice," said A/Prof Stewart.

"In time, we’re hopeful a national strategy for rural health training, together with appropriate national recognition for the rural generalist model of practice, will address these maldistribution issues and create more equitable access to healthcare for all Australians."

The College would like to extend a warm welcome to Prof Worley and look forward to working with him in the near future.