ACRRM was pleased to support the Tasmanian Rural Health Conference held in Hobart last weekend (23 & 24 March). The conference, presented by the Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania (RDAT) with the support of the Tasmanian Department of Health Rural Generalist Coordinating Council, attracted over 100 delegates from all over the State.
A key focus for the conference was improving access to healthcare for rural Tasmanians, with the theme being ‘Teamwork in Rural Practice’ – a necessity in providing services to some of the more inaccessible communities in rural and remote Tasmania. This was highlighted in several interactive sessions, including a discussion on Emergency Disaster Response and Recovery which drew on experiences from the bushfires which traumatised the State earlier this year.
Delegates were welcomed by RDAT President Dr Eve Merfield, who is a Rural Generalist doctor in Dover. An ACRRM Fellow, Eve is also Tasmania’s representative to the ACRRM College Council, which she chairs.
Conference highlights included a videoconference presentation from Dr Meg McKeown, who is a Rural Generalist currently working in Antarctica. This presentation showcased the importance of teamwork in an isolated environment.
Guest speaker and international public health expert Sir Harry Burns gave a compelling address on the socio-economic determinants of health; addressing health inequalities and how communities can create wellness.
There was a great deal of interest in an ACRRM session ‘Taking the path less travelled’, where College trainees and Fellows, including Eve Merfield, shared their experiences and the circumstances which led them to pursuing a career as a Rural Generalist. It was great to hear from doctors at various stages of their careers. The enthusiasm of Rob Dixon and Ben Dodds who are embarking on their respective career paths, was infectious.
Medical students were well catered for with a range of skills sessions including indigenous eye health, common fractures and dislocations and Advanced Life Support.
Written by Jenny Johnson, Senior Policy and Development Officer