The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) was established in 1997 to provide rural, remote and First Nations communities across Australia with “the right doctors with the right skills in the right place”. As I reflect on the 25 years since our establishment, I believe our founding Fellows and members can be proud of their vision and the significant progress that has been accomplished. That said, there is still much more to achieve before celebrating that our rural, remote and First nations communities enjoy the same levels of equity or access to healthcare as our city cousins.
The College has been steadfast in its belief that rural doctors need unique skill sets and a deep understanding of the impact that context, distance, relative isolation and low resource settings present for delivery of effective care. We have led the development of Rural Generalist (RG) programs nationally and internationally, and now stand on the cusp of achieving formal recognition of RG Medicine as a specialised field of practice within the specialty of general practice.
Recognition of RG is a critical foundation to support the growth, excellence and innovation of the rural and remote workforce to achieve the above vision. It creates comprehensive pathways for rural and remote workforce development, and an evidence base for tailored, supported, fit-for-purpose models of care for communities. We look forward to continuing to lead and shape this future in partnership with medical and health colleagues, and governments.
This strategy sets out the overarching priorities and tactics for ACRRM from January 2024 to December 2028. It builds on the College’s longstanding leadership of recognition of RG, clinical standards, and specialist education for RGs as a basis to develop the flexible and sustainable medical workforce that rural, remote and First Nations communities in Australia need and deserve.
ACRRM’s next chapter focuses on educational and clinical excellence, creating community engaged and socially accountable approaches to improve access to sustainable healthcare, and enhancing the delivery of rural generalism through strong culture and rewarding careers.
I encourage all College Fellows, members, staff, and stakeholders to focus on the future and support ACRRM in its pursuit of "Healthy rural, remote and First Nations communities through excellence, social accountability, and innovation".
Associate Professor Dan Halliday FACRRM
President
The College has been steadfast in its belief that rural doctors need unique skill sets and a deep understanding of the impact that context, distance, relative isolation and low resource settings present for delivery of effective care. We have led the development of Rural Generalist (RG) programs nationally and internationally, and now stand on the cusp of achieving formal recognition of RG Medicine as a specialised field of practice within the specialty of general practice.
Recognition of RG is a critical foundation to support the growth, excellence and innovation of the rural and remote workforce to achieve the above vision. It creates comprehensive pathways for rural and remote workforce development, and an evidence base for tailored, supported, fit-for-purpose models of care for communities. We look forward to continuing to lead and shape this future in partnership with medical and health colleagues, and governments.
This strategy sets out the overarching priorities and tactics for ACRRM from January 2024 to December 2028. It builds on the College’s longstanding leadership of recognition of RG, clinical standards, and specialist education for RGs as a basis to develop the flexible and sustainable medical workforce that rural, remote and First Nations communities in Australia need and deserve.
ACRRM’s next chapter focuses on educational and clinical excellence, creating community engaged and socially accountable approaches to improve access to sustainable healthcare, and enhancing the delivery of rural generalism through strong culture and rewarding careers.
I encourage all College Fellows, members, staff, and stakeholders to focus on the future and support ACRRM in its pursuit of "Healthy rural, remote and First Nations communities through excellence, social accountability, and innovation".
Associate Professor Dan Halliday FACRRM
President