The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) joins the nation in observing Close the Gap Day (Thursday 20 March), a vital reminder of the disparities in health outcomes between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing reconciliation and working towards closing the health gap.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Rural Generalist Curriculum embed our commitment to improving healthcare access, outcomes, and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in rural and remote Australia.
“As part of our ongoing efforts, we focus on creating culturally safe environments within our training program, and support initiatives that empower First Nations registrars and Fellows,” Dr Martin says.
“One key initiative from our RAP is "Cultural Safety in Rural and Remote Healthcare", which aims to build awareness and practical skills in healthcare settings to ensure that First Nations patients feel respected, heard, and understood.
“Along with RACGP, we have established the nationwide Joint College Training Services which delivers cultural education for Rural Generalists and General Practitioners and provides training support to the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service sector.
“Through JCTS, we employ highly skilled cultural educators and mentors who weave clinical and cultural education together to create greater access, acceptance and participation in healthcare for First Nations people and communities.”
Dr Martin says: "On Close the Gap Day, we reflect on the progress we've made and the work still to be done.
"We are proud to have seen a consistent rise in the number of members identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over the past decade, including an almost 50 per cent increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars in the past year.
“We are also proud to be part of a movement that is striving for equality in healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is not just a document, but a living commitment to the work we do every day to foster reconciliation and contribute to closing the gap in health outcomes."
“As we move forward, ACRRM continues to engage with First Nations health organisations, and support policies that directly address the health inequities faced by these communities.
“We are proud to be part of the broader reconciliation movement, and we remain dedicated to working together to create a more equitable and just healthcare system.”
More information on ACRRM’s Reconciliation Action Plan can be found here.
On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing reconciliation and working towards closing the health gap.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Rural Generalist Curriculum embed our commitment to improving healthcare access, outcomes, and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in rural and remote Australia.
“As part of our ongoing efforts, we focus on creating culturally safe environments within our training program, and support initiatives that empower First Nations registrars and Fellows,” Dr Martin says.
“One key initiative from our RAP is "Cultural Safety in Rural and Remote Healthcare", which aims to build awareness and practical skills in healthcare settings to ensure that First Nations patients feel respected, heard, and understood.
“Along with RACGP, we have established the nationwide Joint College Training Services which delivers cultural education for Rural Generalists and General Practitioners and provides training support to the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service sector.
“Through JCTS, we employ highly skilled cultural educators and mentors who weave clinical and cultural education together to create greater access, acceptance and participation in healthcare for First Nations people and communities.”
Dr Martin says: "On Close the Gap Day, we reflect on the progress we've made and the work still to be done.
"We are proud to have seen a consistent rise in the number of members identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander over the past decade, including an almost 50 per cent increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars in the past year.
“We are also proud to be part of a movement that is striving for equality in healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is not just a document, but a living commitment to the work we do every day to foster reconciliation and contribute to closing the gap in health outcomes."
“As we move forward, ACRRM continues to engage with First Nations health organisations, and support policies that directly address the health inequities faced by these communities.
“We are proud to be part of the broader reconciliation movement, and we remain dedicated to working together to create a more equitable and just healthcare system.”
More information on ACRRM’s Reconciliation Action Plan can be found here.