Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)

ACRRM is pleased to announce its newly endorsed Board and Council, following the 24 October AGM. These appointments reflect strong, stable leadership and an ongoing commitment to advancing rural, remote and First Nations healthcare across Australia. We congratulate re-elected representatives and warmly welcome incoming Board members. Read more: https://bit.ly/4oEH1cR

🌊 From city commutes to coastal medicine. Dr Angela Glen never planned on becoming a Rural Generalist, until one rural placement changed everything. Her journey from Perth to Geraldton, from long city drives to ocean-view mornings, shows how the REEF pathway can recognise real rural experience and open the door to a career that finally fits. Read Angela’s story: https://bit.ly/4oW0xSQ

At Rural Medicine Australia - RMA, Dr Simon Quilty reminded us that health doesn’t start in the clinic - it starts at home. After decades treating the impacts of poverty and extreme heat in remote NT communities, Simon and Warumungu Elder Norman Frank Jupurrurla founded Wilya Janta, a community-led housing innovation project grounded in Aboriginal knowledge, cultural safety, and climate-resilient design. Their mission is bold and urgent: to ensure families in Tennant Creek have safe, healthy homes, and to build a movement of doctors who understand that housing justice is health justice. Wilya Janta is now seeking philanthropic support to complete the Tennant Creek Housing Pilot and to help establish the Wilya Janta Aboriginal Corporation. Every contribution — big or small — directly supports Aboriginal families and drives real, community-designed change. 💛 All donations above $2 are tax deductible. 👉 Donate or learn more: https://bit.ly/47Yc8uI

Discover the new ACRRM merch range! 👕 Shop a range of quality, practical, merchandise - designed with our members in mind. Show your ACRRM pride wherever you are. Whether you’re on the road, in clinic, teaching, or presenting at events, our apparel and accessories help you represent your profession and your College with confidence. Everything in the range is created with rural practice in mind, reflecting who we are and the communities we serve. Enjoy a seamless shopping experience and explore the full collection now: https://bit.ly/3JWCLqN Plus, become a member today to enjoy discounts, exclusive drops and be the first to know when new items are released. 

In October, ACRRM kicked off a brand-new chapter for recently Fellowed members with the first Emerging Leaders Conference on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island). The energy was high, the ideas were flowing, and the quokkas happily supervised the breaks. Over three days, participants challenged their thinking, built new networks and explored how they can shape the future of rural and remote healthcare. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped set the tone for what this conference can be in future years to come.

This National Skin Cancer Action Week (16–22 November), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is highlighting the critical role Rural Generalists play in delivering local diagnosis and treatment where specialist access is often limited. Australians living in rural and remote areas experience skin cancer rates and melanoma mortality around 20–30% higher than in major cities, driven by greater sun exposure over a lifetime with more outdoor work and recreation. This is more complex due to limited access to sub-specialist care. “Rural Generalists provide comprehensive primary care, including skin checks, biopsies and surgical excisions, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment close to home. “They also utilise tools such as ACRRM’s Tele-Derm service to consult directly with dermatologists for specialist dermatologist and plastic surgical advice, improving access and reducing delays for patients in isolated areas. “Early detection saves lives,” Dr Martin says. Read more: https://bit.ly/4i3IRlw

Registrations are now open for the SARGA26 Conference! This is the first ever event for Rural Generalist Anaesthetists in Australia. It will be held from 12-14 February in the Barossa Valley and will cover the following -   ✅ Build your anaesthetic skills through hands-on clinical stations  ✅ Access CPD-accredited education aligned with credentialing  ✅ Learn from leading RG Anaesthetists  ✅ Network with peers passionate about rural and remote healthcare  Places are limited, so we encourage you to register soon to ensure you don’t miss out.   Register here: https://bit.ly/3LKvjzw  

There is just one week to get your applications in for the 2026 ACRRM Rural Generalist Fellowship Program! Don't delay starting your training - join the College dedicated to improving the outcomes of rural, remote and First Nations Australians. Apply now: https://bit.ly/4r8Z90Q