Jocelyn Ledger awarded prestigious President’s Prize for commitment to rural health

Medical student Jocelyn Ledger has been awarded the prestigious President’s Prize from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) for her commitment to rural medicine.

The Prize provides Jocelyn, who is studying at the University of Newcastle, with all expenses-paid entry to the premier Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) conference, being held on the Gold Coast in October. She will also have the opportunity to meet with College President Dr Ewen McPhee and other key stakeholders at the event.

Dr McPhee says the President’s Prize is designed to provide an aspiring future Rural Generalist to network and learn from leaders in the field of rural generalism.

“ACRRM is the home of rural generalism and with so many dedicated Rural Generalists in the one place at the same time, this is an opportunity to hear from the best in the world,” Dr McPhee says.

“By the very nature of being a Rural Generalist living in some of the nation’s most remote places, it is important we have these occasions to share knowledge, experience and research. For a future generalist, this is a unique opportunity.”

“Jocelyn was chosen from a collection of high-calibre entrants for her commitment to pursuing a career working in rural and remote communities,” Dr McPhee says.

Jocelyn says rural generalism is the logical career pathway to achieving her ambition of working with communities who need doctors with a broad range of skills and knowledge.

“I see myself as having a long career in rural generalism,” Jocelyn says. “I have a strong commitment to rural communities, medicine, and indigenous health which stems from my own rural background

“I am currently engaged in General Practice research and attending RMA19 will allow me to develop further insight into General Practice, how research is being conducted in rural areas, and help me grow networks with fellow researchers, students and members of ACRRM.”

“Attending RMA19, and especially the ‘student’ and ‘future rural’ streams will assist in developing my plan for how I might best serve a rural community when transitioning into my junior doctor years and with my approach to general practice training.”

Jocelyn will be recognised formally at RMA19 at the annual Excellence Awards and Gala Dinner.