The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and James Cook University (JCU) will continue to work together to provide high-quality education and training for Rural Generalists (RGs), having signed a partnership agreement to deliver the ACRRM Fellowship training program. 

The agreement, which comes into effect with the commencement of ACRRM-led training on 1 February, will provide registrars with a continuous training experience. 

ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says the partnership agreement was reached through strong collaboration, regular consultation, and positive engagement. 

“ACRRM and JCU share a fundamental passion for rural and remote communities having access to excellent healthcare, by producing ‘the right doctors, in the right places, with the right skills’,” Dr Halliday says.  

“This partnership will deliver an end-to-end approach to RG training which begins before entry to medical school, across all stages of medical training and through to career-long learning as specialist General Practitioners, RGs, supervisors, educators and researchers of tomorrow.” 

James Cook University Dean of Medicine and Dentistry Prof Richard Murray says JCU has a long and successful relationship with ACRRM. 

Our existing relationship, and JCU’s experience in training students and registrars dedicated to meeting the health problems of regional Queensland, is a great starting place for this new partnership.”

“Registrars will gain access to a consistent and ACRRM endorsed Fellowship training program delivered in partnership by JCU and ACRRM staff.  

“Our staff are looking forward to working with their College colleagues, using ACRRM operational processes and systems, to ensure a seamless and positive training environment where registrars are supported to serve rural and remote communities where the needs are greatest. 

“Our existing relationships with registrars, supervisors and training posts in our region will continue to benefit the ACRRM Fellowship program,” Prof Murray says. 

“This partnership will multiply the potential impact on the health of rural and remote communities in North Queensland, Australia and worldwide,” Dr Halliday says.