ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin, CEO Marita Cowie and Regional Director of Training Dr Matthew French are in Emerald, Queensland, for the third National Single Employer Model (SEM) Forum, discussing strategies to improve rural medical workforce retention and healthcare access.
Hosted by the QLD Health Office of Rural and Remote Health, the Forum brings together representatives from state and territory health departments, health organisations, and GP Colleges to assess the impact of SEM trials in rural and remote communities. The Federal Government has invested $6.4 million in the program until 2027-2028, with trial sites currently operating across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.
SEMs allow registrars to remain in one region throughout their training, fostering stronger community connections and improving healthcare continuity. These models aim to attract more doctors to general practice and rural generalism, stabilise the workforce, and strengthen links between hospitals and GP clinics.
Dr Martin says ACRRM has long supported employment models that provide stability and support for Rural Generalist registrars.
“Sustainable healthcare in rural and remote areas depends on a strong, well-supported Rural Generalist workforce,” Dr Martin says.
“SEMs can improve workforce retention by providing certainty around pay and conditions, supporting work-life balance, and ensuring trainees have positive, high-quality training experiences.”
ACRRM emphasises that while SEM programs have great potential, they must be flexible to meet the diverse needs of rural communities, training practices, and registrars. A tailored approach—rather than a one-size-fits-all model—is essential to ensure long-term success.
“The success of these models depends on collaboration with rural communities, training colleges, and local practices to ensure they truly strengthen, not weaken, the rural health workforce,” Dr Martin says.
“We look forward to learning from the trial outcomes—both positive and challenging—and working with stakeholders to ensure these initiatives lead to lasting improvements in rural healthcare.”
Hosted by the QLD Health Office of Rural and Remote Health, the Forum brings together representatives from state and territory health departments, health organisations, and GP Colleges to assess the impact of SEM trials in rural and remote communities. The Federal Government has invested $6.4 million in the program until 2027-2028, with trial sites currently operating across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.
SEMs allow registrars to remain in one region throughout their training, fostering stronger community connections and improving healthcare continuity. These models aim to attract more doctors to general practice and rural generalism, stabilise the workforce, and strengthen links between hospitals and GP clinics.
Dr Martin says ACRRM has long supported employment models that provide stability and support for Rural Generalist registrars.
“Sustainable healthcare in rural and remote areas depends on a strong, well-supported Rural Generalist workforce,” Dr Martin says.
“SEMs can improve workforce retention by providing certainty around pay and conditions, supporting work-life balance, and ensuring trainees have positive, high-quality training experiences.”
ACRRM emphasises that while SEM programs have great potential, they must be flexible to meet the diverse needs of rural communities, training practices, and registrars. A tailored approach—rather than a one-size-fits-all model—is essential to ensure long-term success.
“The success of these models depends on collaboration with rural communities, training colleges, and local practices to ensure they truly strengthen, not weaken, the rural health workforce,” Dr Martin says.
“We look forward to learning from the trial outcomes—both positive and challenging—and working with stakeholders to ensure these initiatives lead to lasting improvements in rural healthcare.”