ACRRM is thrilled with Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s announcement that the state will embrace a Rural Generalist (RG) employment model to combat the shortage of doctors in its rural, remote and First Nations communities. 

 

The decision follows discussions at this week’s Bush Summit which focused on the rural health workforce and the need for a new model to attract doctors to live and work in the state

 ACRRM president Dr Dan Halliday thanks the Premier and the Tasmanian Health Minister Guy Barnett for their consultation and engagement to reach this decision. 

 

“It is positive that the government recognises there is a need for change in Tasmania and that they acknowledge the role RGs can play in forcing that change. 

 

“RGs have the specialist skills to provide primary care, along with advanced skills in specialties including obstetrics, emergency medicine, anaesthetics, mental health and more. 

 

“There is a growing interest in the profession, and with the support of the ACRRM Tasmanian team, led by Regional Director of Training Dr Sally Street, the College has had an increase in the number of registrars training in the state. 

 

“Sally’s passion and commitment to having the right doctors where they are needed has been influential in this decision.” 

 

Dr Street, a RG obstetrician and passionate advocate for the profession, spoke with the premier and key stakeholders at the Mercury Bush Summit this week. 

 

She says the Premier’s announcement will encourage more doctors to choose to practice in rural, remote and First Nations communities in Tasmania. 

 

“Today’s announcement shows that the government can act swiftly in times of need, when there is a solution on the table,” Dr Street says. 

 

“We have RGs lining up to work in Tasmania, and the College has the training posts and supports in place to assist them through their Fellowship journey and beyond. 

 

“This decision will not only encourage them to train here, but they are now incentivised to stay and build a life in communities where they are most needed.” 

 

The College looks forward to further discussions with the Tasmanian government and with local health organisations and providers to ensure the successful implementation of the RG model. 

ENDS 

 

For further information or interviews, please contact media manager Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or p.smith@acrrm.org.au

About ACRRM: The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is the only professional medical college dedicated to improving healthcare in rural and remote areas of Australia. As the peak organisation for rural and remote medicine, ACRRM plays a vital role in training and supporting doctors who serve these unique communities. For more information visit acrrm.org.au