Dr Natalie Burch from Scottsdale, Tasmania, is a recipient of an Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) 2022 Distinguished Service Award for her significant contribution to rural and remote medicine and general service to the community.   

Practising for more than 20 years in Scottsdale, Dr Burch is currently the longest serving General Practitioner (GP) in the regional town. She is also supporting ACRRM registrars, supervisors, and training posts, as the inaugural ACRRM Director of Training in the state. 

Dr Burch moved to Tasmania in 2001 where she practised GP obstetrics for 10 years and continues as a GP Visiting Medical Officer and supervisor for a large vertically integrated team of learners. 

After recognising a significant gap in the availability of mental health and chronic pain services for her patients several years ago, Dr Burch sought out opportunities to upskill in these areas to provide more support for her patients.

She has always had an interest in medical education, working with ACRRM, Rural Vocational Training Scheme, General Practice Training Tasmania, ACRRM, HR+, also supporting the Tasmanian Health Service Intern Program, creating new opportunities for first-year medical interns, who are now able to undertake Rural Generalist (RG) training in Scottsdale. 

Dr Burch’s passion for rural generalism and education has sparked an interest in Health Professionals Education, studying a Masters at the University of Glasgow. 

“Rural generalism is the ability of a health carer to provide care for local people most need to the highest possible quality, with the recognition that for people to heal well, they need to be surrounded by their country, home, family, a trusted carer and their community.” Dr Burch says.

Being a GP registrar and undertaking rotations with founding members of ACRRM has provided Dr Burch with a unique perspective on the College as a training organisation. 

“At the time, I was very excited about the prospect of having training specific to the needs of rural doctors.” 

“The passionate advocacy of ACRRM members for the training and support for rural doctors and their courage to step outside of the established paradigm has always been admirable.” 

In addition to her passion for medicine, Dr Burch takes a specific interest in music, learning violin in her down time and taking part in a community orchestra.  

Upon receiving the Distinguished Service Award, Dr Burch spoke with great enthusiasm for the importance of being present and available to your community as a practising RG.  

“I think doctors who are just doing what they do, being as present as possible, and just being available probably should be honoured, and I’m grateful to be acknowledged for being myself in my field of interest. It is a wonderful feeling. 

“It isn't the diagnoses we make, the drugs we order, or the 'wisdom' we impart... sometimes just being who we are, doing what we do is what makes the difference.”  

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

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