Journalists wanting to speak to an ACRRM spokesperson are invited to contact Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or email.
Felicity Gemmell-Smith is the recipient of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Honorary Membership Award for her exceptional service to the College and her fierce dedication to improving the healthcare needs for rural and remote communities.
Felicity’s role as Rural Programs Manager at GP Synergy is one of which she is regularly and positively changing the lives of Rural Generalists (RGs) and their communities. Felicity experiences firsthand the significant difference a good doctor with the right skills can make to a community. She uses this knowledge to increase Advanced Skills Training opportunities throughout NSW and the ACT and encourages those considering a career in rural generalism to choose the ACRRM training program. With a career including nursing, community health, teaching, aged care and medical training, Felicity utilises her experience to work with ACRRM registrars to understand their career goals and how they can gain the right skills for the community they wish to settle into.
ACRRM President, Dr Sarah Chalmers, says while Felicity doesn’t hold a medical degree, she brings the invaluable firsthand experience of living, working and accessing medical services rurally.
“It is wonderful to see Felicity being recognised for the immense commitment she has made to the profession of rural medicine and to the growing successes of rural generalism in NSW, and beyond. I warmly congratulate her on receiving this award.”
Felicity strongly believes that rural and remote communities deserve access to the best health care, but that’s not always the reality she sees.
“Australia is a rich country and that should mean excellent health care with long life expectancy, but it’s sadly not always the case,” she says.
“I am in a position to make a difference by assisting registrars to achieve their desires to work effectively in a rural area in the location of their choice with the right skills for their community.
“I enjoy being able to advocate for tailored training for trainee Rural Generalists,” She adds.
On winning the award, Felicity says she feels privileged to be recognised.
“My heart is in the country and with its people, the sky, the land, the amazing biodiversity and the spirit. “To be acknowledged by a body that is dedicated to rural and remote medicine and committed to delivering the best possible care to our rural and remote communities is truly an honour that I will treasure always,” she says.