About The Group
ACRRM has an important role in ensuring that our members, whether they be medical students, junior doctors, trainees, supervisors or Fellows, can train and work in settings which are safe, respectful, and supportive. The College also encourages members to prioritise their own health and wellbeing.
Fostering workplace cultures which value and support diversity, respect, inclusiveness, fairness and transparency is one of the College’s key strategic objectives.
The Respectful Workplaces Committee champions this work. It facilitates the sharing of ideas and information throughout the College; supports the implementation of its Respectful Workplaces policy framework; and advocates for appropriate working environments for our members.
The Committee provides advice to the College Board and reports to both the Board and College Council.
Committee Members
The Committee works to achieve diversity within its membership and welcomes inquiries from College members. If you are interested in joining, please contact policy@acrrm.org.au.
Dr Sarah Chalmers - Chair
Dr Ewen McPhee - College Fellow
Dr Danielle Dries - Nominee Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members Group and Registrar Committee
Dr Dan Halliday - President (ex-officio)
Dr Emily Harrison - College Fellow
Dr Bill Lilley - College Fellow
Dr Vimbai Kapuya - College Fellow
Dr Lynette Reeves - College Fellow
Dr Alex Lapenga - College Fellow
Dr Harry Purves - Future Generalists Committee nominee
Dr Marina Parente - College Fellow
Dr Health & Well-being
Practitioner health and well-being is an integral component of a safe and respectful workplace.
All that is great about rural practice can also bring personal pressures. Providing a clinically complex and varied scope of practice comes professional challenge. With the adventure of taking up work ‘off the beaten track’ can come distance from extended social support networks. And with the rewards of providing greatly valued services, being highly visible and viewed as a community leader, comes heightened personal responsibility.
ACRRM encourages all members to not lose sight of what they love about their job, and at the same time, to take regular steps to maintain their own mental well-being and general health.
Proactive self-care is good medical practice, as is being mindful of the needs of colleagues. We also ask our members to check on their colleagues and friends who may be under stress.
Some positive steps might be:
- Review your needs and those of your colleagues as part of your daily routine and practice.
- Making sure you know where help is available to you and your colleagues.
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle, ensuring you have daily sun and exercise, and time-out when you need it.
- Strengthening your personal support base, making time for your friendships and support networks, finding a mentor, or planning regular networking opportunities with your peers.
Want to contact the ACRRM Policy Team? Send us an email at: policy@acrrm.org.au