From Sussex to Darwin: Dr Sarah Saunders' path to rural generalism
Sarah was working in a metro hospital within the UK’s NHS, on a cold, grey day in 2017 when an email caught her attention — a job ad promising “year-round sunshine” and a “true tropical experience.”
On a whim, she applied, and weeks later arrived in Darwin, having never been to Australia before.
The transition was a shock — isolation, unfamiliar surroundings, and a steep learning curve. But gradually, through her patients and the breadth of medicine, her perspective shifted.
“The more I learned about rural medicine, the more I fell in love with my job.”
Tell us why you started. Email marketing@acrrm.org.au with your story and any photos that capture your journey.
Call for abstracts - RMA26 Adelaide
This year’s theme, guiding the scientific program and shaping key discussions in Adelaide, is The Rural Advantage - Generalist Medicine in the Spotlight.
We're encouraging abstract submissions aligned with the following themes, as well as other relevant topics:
1. Choose rural – attracting the next generation 2. Career possibilities – portfolio careers and scope 3. Advocating for rural medicine – strengthening the profession’s voice 4. Thriving communities – impact of Rural Generalists in rural/remote Australia 5. Other
If you know a colleague or clinician with research worth sharing or work worth showcasing, encourage them to submit an abstract by Friday 8 May.
Introducing the all-new ACRRM CPD Home app
Built with a modern, mobile-first experience, the app is faster, more intuitive, and easier to use, helping you stay on top of your CPD wherever your day takes you.
Log activities on the go, manage your Professional Development Plan (PDP), and track your progress in real time, so you remain compliant, organised, and in control.
Connect with ACRRM over complimentary breakfast in May
Members in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania members are invited to our upcoming networking breakfasts in May.
All events are aligned with upcoming major rural health conferences and are an opportunity to connect with ACRRM Board and Council members. Register to let us know you're coming:
Conferences dedicated to your Advanced Specialised Training (AST)
This year ACRRM launched the Advanced Specialised Training (AST) Conferences.
Members and non-members are invited to a weekend of education and training designed to meet your CPD and Maitenance of Professional Standards (MOPS) requirements in one place.
Come along for this networking and upskilling opportunity. Registrations are open for:
Last chance to apply: Emerging Leaders Conference 2026
If you’ve been considering it, now is the time to act. The Emerging Leaders Conference 2026 is a unique opportunity for recent Fellows to accelerate their leadership journey, connect with like-minded peers, and gain insights from experienced leaders shaping the future of healthcare.
Submit your application by 11:59pm AEST, Friday 24 April to secure your chance to be part of this highly sought-after experience.
Sponsored: Discover DermaWorld - The Dedicated Dermatology Portal for Healthcare Professionals
DermaWorld is your go-to platform, offering valuable insights on dermatological disease areas, updates on the latest treatments from LEO Pharma, and exclusive educational resources.
Explore information on a range of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and more. Access concise guidelines, case studies, and expert support to enhance patient care. For detailed information on available treatments and exclusive content, simply sign up or login today!
Visit DermaWorld and empower your practice with expert dermatology support!
GPPTSP Anaesthetics applications – Deadline extended to 24 May
Applications for the General Practitioner Procedural Training Support Program (GPPTSP) have been extended to 24 May 2026, giving you more time to apply.
GPPTSP provides $40,000* of Commonwealth funding for GP or RG Fellows to complete either the RANZCOG Associate Advanced Procedural (APTP) or the ANZCA Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (RGA) training programs. The Anaesthetics component is managed by ACRRM and the Obstetrics component is managed by RANZCOG.
The deadline to apply for the Anaesthetics program is now Sunday 24 May 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your skills and make a difference in your community.
Inquiry into epilepsy in Australia: Member feedback invited
The Senate Community Affairs References Committee has launched an inquiry into epilepsy in Australia.
We're currently seeking information and feedback from members to help inform the College's submission to the Committee.
The inquiry covers issues that will be deeply familiar to Rural Generalists including:
barriers to diagnosis and treatment,
access related to geographic location and specialist availability,
the psychosocial and economic impacts of drug-resistant epilepsy, and
the adequacy of support services and Commonwealth research funding.
Submit your feedback to the ACRRM by Thursday 30 April 2026 via policy@acrrm.org.au
National Single Employer Model (SEM) Summit - Devonport
Thursday 28 - Friday 29 May 2026
This national event brings together stakeholders from across jurisdictions to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore innovations emerging from SEM pilots.
Conference highlights include:
an opportunity for the SEM jurisdiction leads to meet for a community of practice,
an optional afternoon site tour to our health facilities in Deloraine; and
a Pre-Conference Networking Dinner in the evening which will have an Aboriginal Health theme.
The Hon. Mark Butler MP addressed the National Press Club earlier this week and the ACRRM policy team were there for the announcements on:
new Dementia support programs,
additional aged care beds,
$1b investment into showering, dressing and home care programs and,
reform to the NDIS system to ensure sustainability and "bring spend back into line and within the original intent of the scheme".
ACRRM Online Learning
Newly released online learning course: Veterans Health
In light of ANZAC Day (25 April) this weekend, deepen your understanding of the veteran experience and the role you play in delivering meaningful, high-quality care.
This newly released course provides a practical, case-based introduction to veteran health, including the transition to civilian life and the unique mental and physical health needs of veterans. It equips you with the skills to confidently assess, manage and refer veteran patients, while navigating DVA services and care pathways to support coordinated care for veterans and their families.
CPD: 6 hours (Educational Activity) Cost: Free to members
Build your confidence in delivering effective travel health advice with ACRRM’s free online course, Clinical Bytes – Travel Medicine.
Designed for Rural Generalists, this course covers the key elements of a travel medicine consultation, including common travel-related conditions, vaccination considerations, and malaria prophylaxis — supported by practical case studies and guidance on accessing up-to-date global health information.
In recognition of World Immunization Week (24–30 April), it’s a timely opportunity to strengthen preventative care and support safer travel for your patients.
New Tele-Derm educational dermoscopy cases now available
Dr Jim Muir, Consultant Dermatologist, has added a number of new, high-quality educational cases to the ACRRM Tele-Derm platform, with a focus on dermoscopy.
Developed from real-world outpatient presentations, these interactive cases are presented in a question-and-answer format to closely reflect everyday clinical decision-making in general practice.
Not a Tele-Derm member yet? No problem. Tele-Derm is a free service for all ACRRM members, and non-members working in MMM3–MMM7. Find out more and register here.
Get Involved
Delphi panel: Managing patients with complex prescribing needs
Rural GPs and Rural Generalists are invited to participate in a national Delphi panel to achieve consensus on medication related clinical indicators for managing patients with complex prescribing needs.
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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