New year, new focus on health: rural Australians urged to check in on their health
As the new year begins, rural and remote Australians are being encouraged to take a moment to check in on their health — and make preventative care a priority for the year ahead.
Whether it’s booking a routine check-up or following up on a lingering concern, now is an ideal time to schedule an appointment with a local Rural Generalist (RG).
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) President Dr Rod Martin says the start of the year offers a natural opportunity to refocus on long-term health.
“Many of us make New Year’s resolutions that come and go. Prioritising your health is one of the most important commitments you can make,” Dr Martin says.
SA Coronial inquest finding regarding the death of John Douglas Kennedy
The South Australian Coroner released an inquest finding regarding the death of John Douglas Kennedy, which notes:
I make the following recommendation directed to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine:
That consideration be given by General Practitioners to routinely referring low to medium risk patients who return elevated cholesterol results, for a CT Calcium score. Particularly those with a known family history of coronary artery disease
Meet ACRRM staff, network with experienced Rural Generalists who have been through the training program, and chat with other members over coffee and a light breakfast.
New Supervisors' Compass podcast episode: So you’re thinking about becoming a supervisor?
What motivates clinicians to take the step into supervision — and what can they expect from the role?
In Episode 6 of ACRRM podcast, Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays explore what it really means to become a supervisor, and the factors that influence that decision.
This episode delves into the curiosity, uncertainty and professional reflection that often sit behind stepping into supervision. The discussion covers common motivations such as professional development, workforce sustainability, and contributing to the next generation of Rural Generalists, while also acknowledging very real considerations around responsibility, trust and readiness for the role.
Sponsored: Rural practice brings unique medico-legal challenges
Rural Generalist medicine is now officially recognised as its own speciality, acknowledging what you’ve always known: this work is fundamentally different.
MIPS’s new on-demand webinar features Dr Carrie McKenzie, an Indigenous Rural Generalist and MIPS medico-legal advisor, discussing scenarios you face daily, including firearms assessments when patients demand record alterations, terminating therapeutic relationships after workplace violence, managing AVOs in emergency presentations, and protecting your wellbeing in isolated environments.
When you’re working above scope without backup, expert advice matters. MIPS members get:
Comprehensive indemnity insurance cover of up to $20 million
Access to medico-legal support and advice from advisors who are also practitioners
Accredited risk management and education resources, including webinars, are available on demand.
ACRRM engagement officers have been meeting and greeting interns across the country this week. The Victorian team was at Monash SRH where interns heard from ACRRM registrar Dr Luke Auciello.
While in QLD an ACRRM-sponsored morning tea at Gold Coast Hospital drew in over 100 interns and Dr Paul Everett from Boonah Hospital shared the RG story at the Ipswich Hospital Careers Fair.
Digital Health
TGA: Critical Recall for all lots of the CellAED device
The company which has supplied the CellAED devices, RRR Manufacturing Pty Ltd, has gone into liquidation. The liquidators for RRR Manufacturing, are conducting a Critical Recall for all lots of the CellAED device. As the company has entered liquidation, they can no longer support products in the market. Learn more.
ACRRM allergy assist® Webinar: Update on adrenaline devices in Australia
Wednesday 4 March at 7:00pm AEST
Join us for a practical update on adrenaline (epinephrine) devices currently available in Australia. Presented by Dr Alan Baker, clinical immunology/allergy specialist, this session will help GPs and Rural Generalists stay confident and current in managing allergic emergencies.
ACRRM acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the custodians of the lands and waters where our members and staff work and live across Australia. We pay respect to their elders, lores, customs and Dreaming. We recognise these lands and waters have always been a place of teaching, learning, and healing.
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