Medical students Lara Emmett and George Kavalam announced winners of the ACRRM 2023 President’s Prize

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is pleased to announce Lara Emmett and George Kavalam as the winners of the 2023 ACRRM President’s Prize.

Lara and George are final year medical students with a passion for rural generalism. As this year’s recipients their prize includes free travel, accommodation, and registration to the Rural Medicine Australia 2023 (RMA23) conference being held in Hobart this week.

It also includes the chance to meet with ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday and other key College members, make connections with Fellows, registrars, students and junior doctors, and be inspired by keynote speakers and presentations.

ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says the prize recognises a medical student’s commitment to commencing a career as a Rural Generalist.

“As well as recognising their dedication to ensuring rural and remote communities have access to appropriate and high-quality healthcare, this award allows them to attend conference sessions, network with peers and mentors, and enjoy social events.

“This is the premier rural healthcare conference in Australia,” Dr Halliday says, “and there is no other event like it. For a Future Rural Generalist, this is the place to be to jump start their careers.

“Lara and George were chosen from a field of entrants who all demonstrated a passion for the career they have chosen.

“I look forward to seeing where their RG journey takes them.”

Lara, a medical student at James Cook University in North Queensland aspires to make a meaningful impact in underserved rural and remote communities.

“My career aspirations are to tackle the unique challenges faced by our rural communities,” Lara says.

“I aspire to build strong connections with patients and their families, understand their needs, and deliver patient-centred care that takes into account their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“Hailing from a rural town, I hold empathy and the ability to relate to rural communities and through my rural placements, I have acquired skills and strategies to become adaptable, resourceful and resilient.”

As a final year medical student at University of WA, George’s work in rural medicine demonstrates compassion and a genuine desire to bring equitable healthcare to those who need it most. 

“I hope for a future of health equity, where rural communities are not constrained by easily preventable and curable disease,” George says.

“I have a keen interest in paediatrics and am passionate about elevating the health and education outcomes of our rural and remote children. 

“I believe that all children should be given equitable opportunities, no matter where they live.

“In particular, I would like to specialise in culturally sensitive care and prevention strategies for chronic illnesses and skin diseases.”

RMA23 is being held at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart from Wednesday 18 October to Saturday 21 October 2023.

Learn more about RMA23 here.