Journalists wanting to speak to an ACRRM spokesperson are invited to contact Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or email.

Associate Professor Marco Briceno from Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory (NT), is a recipient of an Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) 2022 Distinguished Service Award for his significant contribution to rural and remote medicine and general service to the community.  

Dr Briceno’s notable contributions include a 14-year dedication to rural generalism in remote NT, with roles including Senior Rural Generalist Surgeon, Director of Medical Services, Regional Director of East Arnhem Land and Deputy Chief Health Officer during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently Chief Health Officer of the Northern Territory.

Recognised as being a strong patient advocate who strives for a high standard of care across the healthcare services, and for inspiring junior doctors, his commitment has benefited the East Arnhem Land community both from his presence, practice and influence in the industry. 
 
More recently, Dr Briceno has worked closely with ACRRM to formally develop the NT Rural Generalist (RG) Pathway to expand the remote workforce in the NT over the longer term.  

“I am both humbled and honoured to receive a Distinguished Service Award from ACRRM,” Dr Briceno says. 
 
“Rural generalism allows us to practice medicine aligned to the needs of your community, culturally, respectfully and in a patient-centred way.

“Educating young RGs through the College is something I am deeply passionate about,” Dr Briceno says. 
 
With a knack for fishing in his downtime, Dr Briceno uses the quiet time to reflect on his career and plans for the future. 
 
“I would like to influence NT and national policy to further strengthen rural generalism, and improve the health of Australians living in remote locations, particularly Aboriginal Australians.” 

 

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

ACRRM: Communications manager Petrina Smith at p.smith@acrrm.org.au, 0414 820 847