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) proudly acknowledges the strong and effective leadership, guidance and advocacy Dr Ewen McPhee demonstrated during his term as President.

Dr McPhee’s presidency was marked by great milestones including advancement in the recognition of rural generalism, progression of College-led training, stewardship during national disasters including bushfires, floods and COVID-19, and the staging of Australia’s largest rural medical conference at RMA19.

Incoming President Dr Sarah Chalmers says Dr McPhee demonstrated great focus to represent members and ensure rural and remote communities are not forgotten when it comes to equity in health care.

“Dr McPhee has been an outstanding leader who has advocated strongly, professionally and steadfastly for the profession of rural generalism and the healthcare needs of all Australians, particularly those living outside the urban footprint,” Dr Chalmers says.

 “Not only has he actively listened to and engaged with College members, but he has been a strong voice on their behalf.

“He has worked with all levels of government, engaged with stakeholder organisations and taken a front-row seat on high-level committees.

“His passion for high-quality training, advocacy for rural health reform and his enthusiasm for attracting the right people into the profession is admirable. “It motivates me to continue his great effort.”

Dr McPhee represented the College at national and international levels, including rural WONCA conferences.

He established Australia’s first rural COVID-19 clinic and played a key role on the national COVID-19 taskforce.  

This was all undertaken while continuing to run a busy practice and hospital in his hometown of Emerald in Central Queensland.

At the Annual General Meeting on Monday 16 November 2020, Dr McPhee was acknowledged for his work by College staff, members, National Rural Health Commissioner Associate Professor Ruth Stewart, Principal Medical Advisor to the Department of Health Professor Michael Kidd and Minister for Rural Health Mark Coulton, among others.

The College looks forward to his continuing involvement as a College representative as immediate Past President.

Dr Sarah Chalmers has officially stepped into the role of College President, working with Board Members Dr Michael Beckoff, Dr Daniel Halliday, Dr Anthony Hobbs, Dr Michelle Hannan, Annabelle Brayley and Dr Danielle Dries.