Journalists wanting to speak to an ACRRM spokesperson are invited to contact Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or email.
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) acknowledges and supports National Reconciliation Week and continues its commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to advance their health status.
This week (27 May – 3 June) marks 20 years of Reconciliation Australia influencing Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation, and the theme of In this together is particularly pertinent as we experience the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to focus on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and what the College is doing towards achieving reconciliation in Australia.
“As a College, we have a vested interest in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve their health outcomes through better access to health care services, Dr McPhee says. “It’s embedded in our vision of having the right doctors, in the right places, with the right skills, providing rural and remote people with excellent health care.
“The threat of the COVID-19 pandemic on all Australians, and particularly our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, highlights the risks are greater in rural and remote Australia and this is a focus of our support and advocacy efforts during this time.
“ACRRM’s recognition and respect for the cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities is reflected in our Reconciliation Action Plan and Compact with the Commonwealth Government
“The College also supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars? on their journey to ACRRM Fellowship.
“We acknowledge past achievements, paying tribute to the significant contribution of our founding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members who have not only contributed to the College, but also to their colleagues, profession, and communities.
“We also recognise there is remains much to do and in In recognition of the theme In this together, ACRRM will continue to work to maintain collaborations and strong working relationships with stakeholders including the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, Aboriginal Medical Services and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, to improve the delivery of health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees within the College,” Dr McPhee says.