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As the newly elected chair of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Registrar Committee, Dr Allison Hempenstall is committed to advocating for the future of rural and remote medicine in Australia.
Dr Hempenstall, who is based on Thursday Island and works throughout Torres Strait, understands the unique complexities of practising outside urban areas.
“Clinicians often have to think outside the box when problem solving patient care,” Dr Hempenstall says.
“Working in Torres Strait is unlike anywhere else in Australia, and I have gained an real understanding of the issues remote communities face to access quality healthcare. I also recognise the challenges health workers deal with and I will be a strong advocate for registrar education and wellbeing.
“I look forward to working with the ACRRM registrar cohort to support these issues, and others,” Dr Hempenstall says.
ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says he and the College Board look forward to working with Dr Hempenstall as chair of the registrar committee.
“The registrar committee provides valuable feedback, suggestions and insight to the College Board and Council, and I am confident Dr Hempenstall will be a strong and active voice for registrar members,” Dr McPhee says.
“Taking on a leadership role is testament to her professional dedication to provide world-class health care to people living in rural and remote communities,” he says.