Why Rural Generalists are a natural fit for Aboriginal health services
For ACRRM Fellow Dr Prashan Kuruppu, working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) showed him what healthcare can look like when it's truly community-led.
From supporting school programs and local sport to working alongside Aboriginal Health Workers, nurses and allied health professionals, Dr Kuruppu discovered that caring for patients often extends far beyond the clinic walls.
This holistic, relationship-based approach is why Rural Generalists are uniquely placed to thrive in ACCHOs — combining broad clinical skills with a commitment to community, continuity of care and cultural learning.
As we mark National Reconciliation Week, read how working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health became one of the most rewarding parts of Dr Kuruppu's career.
A reminder to discuss boosters: Australia faces biggest diphtheria outbreak in decades
Australia is experiencing its largest diphtheria outbreak in decades, with more than 230 cases reported since late last year, the majority in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in regional, rural and remote communities.
ACRRM Board Member and Western Australian Rural Generalist Dr Alice Fitzgerald says diphtheria is a disease many Australians think belongs in the past, but this outbreak shows vaccine-preventable diseases can return when immunity levels decline.
Right: ACRRM Board Member and Western Australian Rural Generalist Dr Alice Fitzgerald
“It is a timely reminder for everyone to check their boosters and make sure they are up to date with recommended vaccinations,” Dr Fitzgerald says.
Australia's future doctors are increasingly attracted to Rural Generalist Medicine which ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the findings demonstrate the value of investing in rural training pathways.
"The data shows what Rural Generalists have known for years – when medical students spend meaningful time training in rural communities, they're much more likely to build their careers there," Dr Martin says.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) continues to provide updates regarding the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Menopause and perimenopause toolkit for health professionals
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) has launched its perimenopause and menopause campaign which features information and resources to help build your understanding of perimenopause and menopause, and information for your patients.
Review your organisation's clinical governance model
Health services are encouraged to use the 2026 National Model for Clinical Governance guide to review their organisation’s clinical governance arrangements, identify gaps, develop an implementation plan, and monitor delivery of high-quality care. Access the guide on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care's website.
Report: Antibacterial use in general practice 2015-2024
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has published Antibacterial use in general practice: 2015–2024 (the report). The report provides analyses of antibacterials prescribed by MedicineInsight general practices from 2015 to 2024 and features data on private prescriptions and indications for antibacterial prescribing.
Immunoglobulin adjusted body weight dosing
From 1 July 2026, the way immunoglobulin (Ig) doses are calculated in BloodSTAR will change.
Last chance to submit your abstract: RACE Research Day 2026
Closing tomorrow Friday 5 June
The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network’s (RMCLHN) Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) is hosting its RACE Research Day in the Riverland on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
The conference will bring together clinicians, researchers, trainees, and students to share emerging ideas, highlight local innovation, and strengthen multidisciplinary connections.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin and CEO Marita Cowie were in Tasmania last week for the Tasmania Rural Health Conference (TRHC) and the National Single Employer (NES) Summit.
The TRHC two-day program highlighted the resilience, adaptability, and deep community links that define rural healthcare. The Summit brought together key stakeholders from across jurisdictions to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore innovations emerging from SEM pilots.
ACRRM Online Learning
New non-member pricing: Mental Health Skills Training for Rural Practice (MHST) Level 1
This flexible, self-paced online course equips clinicians with practical skills and evidence-based approaches to assess, manage and support patients experiencing common mental health conditions. Whether you're looking to build confidence in mental health care or refresh your knowledge, MHST Level 1 provides learning that can be applied immediately in everyday practice.
Non-member cost: $195 | Free for eligible ACRRM members.
Digital Health
Learn more about the Budget 2026-27: Digital Health Initiatives
Following the ACRRM Member Budget Briefing in recent editions of Country Watch, the digital health team has provided further detail on the Federal Budget's impact on My Health Record — including the Australian Government's $598.3 million investment over two years from 2026–27 to drive a digitally connected healthcare system for all Australians.
This digital health investment measure will continue to operate the My Health Record system and deliver targeted initiatives to support more reliable and timely access to information for all Australians and their healthcare providers. Learn more the Budget 2026-27: Digital Health Initiatives.
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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