ACRRM continues to deliver high-quality registrar training experiences, as evidenced by the latest results from the 2024 Medical Training Survey (MTS). 

With over 52 per cent of ACRRM registrars responding to the survey, the findings highlight the College's success in preparing doctors for rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare. 

Key findings include: 

• Rural practice commitment: Nearly all ACRRM registrars are currently practising in rural and regional areas, with interest in rural practice being double the national response. 
• First Nations healthcare focus: 66 per cent of ACRRM registrars express an interest in First Nations healthcare compared to the national average of 50 per cent. 
• Increased interest in Fellowship: The proportion of interns expressing interest in ACRRM Fellowship has grown by 50 per cent since last year, with similar growth seen among prevocational doctors. 

“These findings demonstrate the rising appeal of ACRRM’s Fellowship training and the unique opportunities we offer to those passionate about making a difference in rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare,” says ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin. 

The survey also demonstrates the ACRRM Fellowship program continues to lead in flexibility, with 83 per cent of registrars rating their training arrangements positively - significantly above the national average of 68 per cent. 

“This reflects the College’s ongoing dedication to meeting the needs of its registrars,” Dr Martin says. 

“Our training model is designed to equip doctors with confidence and competence while fostering a supportive environment for our registrars. 

“These results affirm that we’re achieving this goal.” 

The survey also reveals ACRRM registrars experience less stress related to the financial impacts of training compared to their peers nationally (42 per cent vs 62 per cent) and are more likely to know who to contact within the College for support, continuing a positive trend. 

Additionally, the results highlight ACRRM’s strength in providing practical resources and supervision. 

“Registrars report higher access to direct specialist supervision, conferences, and education opportunities than the national average,” Dr Martin says. 

While incidents of bullying, discrimination, and harassment remain a challenge across the sector, ACRRM registrars are significantly more likely to report such incidents when they occur. 

“This proactive reporting is a testament to the College’s commitment to nurturing safe and inclusive training environments,” Dr Martin adds. 

“Fostering workplace cultures that value and support diversity, respect, inclusiveness, fairness, and transparency is one of the College’s key strategic objectives, championed by our Respectful Workplaces Committee. 

“We will unpack this information from the MTS and continue to embed our Building Respectful Workplaces Framework, which focuses on creating training and work environments for our members that understand and value respectful behaviours and which enable individuals to learn, improve, and support their peers towards creating better workplaces.” 

The Medical Training Survey provides valuable insights into the experiences of doctors in training across Australia. ACRRM remains proud of its role in shaping the next generation of Rural Generalists and ensuring sustainable healthcare in rural and remote communities. 

ENDS