The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) will be holding elections for the position of President this month, with rural generalist Dr Ewen McPhee one of two candidates nominating for this important role.
Commenting on his decision to stand for election, Dr McPhee said: “I believe that ACRRM is the champion for future rural and remote clinicians looking for a meaningful, interesting and diverse career delivering primary and secondary care to people wherever they live and work.”
We sat down with Ewen to ask him about his vision for the College and his presidency.
What would ACRRM look like under your leadership?
“The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine is at the centre of critical work regarding the evolution of Rural Generalist Medicine, establishment of sustainable models of Primary Care, and expansion of training opportunities for future clinicians that deliver a unique and transformative career.
“My experience serves me well in this regard. Having previously served as President of the Rural Doctors Association for two years, and continuing to serve on many committees, I have close contact with strategically relevant agencies, politicians, and people.”
What does a Presidential position mean to you?
“It means having the honourable position of responsibility for representing the needs of ACRRM’s members and rural and remote communities, a position I do not take lightly. It means working closely with government, educational institutions, and state and federal health agencies to deliver a consistent training experience for ACRRM registrars that is flexible, relevant and rewarding.
“I will be fearless in advocating for sustainable financial models of care that improve access and equity for rural communities.
“Finally, I will ensure that the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine remains independent, authoritative and responsive to the needs of its members.”
What is the future of ACRRM to you?
“The future for ACRRM is bright, and we are a College that isn’t constrained by a name or a place. We embrace diversity, respect the rural health context, and support our members who live and work in unique environments be it rural Australia, with our first nations people, our near Island nations, Antarctica or military and retrieval medicine.
“ACRRM is a forward-looking college, we do not live in the past nor have we let the past shape our responses. If elected, I look forward to contributing, as previous Presidents have, to the opportunities before us.
“I’d be honoured to give my time and my experience to the position and continue to help the organisation move forward.”
All ordinary members of ACRRM are eligible to vote and will be sent correspondence on how to do so via email from an independent election company.
