Rural communities to benefit from expanded ADHD assessments by Rural Generalist doctors
ACRRM says expanding the role of GPs and Rural Generalists (RGs) in the ADHD assessment and treatment is an important step towards equitable healthcare access for people living outside major centres.
Data shows that by 2022–23, around 470,000 Australians are prescribed ADHD medications — an increase of nearly 300 per cent over 10 years.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says demand for ADHD care is rising sharply across the country, but rural communities continue to face the greatest barriers.
“People in rural and remote Australia still face the longest delays and highest costs for ADHD assessment and care, with specialist services often hours away and out of reach,” he says
Update from QLD Health on Prescribing Psychostimulants
The Queensland Government has recently released a Prescribing Psychostimulants Factsheet to assist specialist General Practitioners after legislative amendments that came into effect on 1 December. These changes mean that all specialist GPs will be able to initiate, modify, and continue psychostimulants for adults with ADHD within existing maximum dose limits. More information is available on the QLD Health website.
National Syphilis Response: Resources for RGs
ACRRM is committed to supporting the National Syphilis Response. With syphilis rates rising across Australia, particularly in rural, remote, and First Nations communities, it is vital that Rural Generalists are equipped with the latest data, clinical guidelines, and culturally safe care pathways.
This ACRRM Syphilis Resources page consolidates guidelines, educational materials research to support RGs in the ongoing management of syphilis in their community.
From city commutes to coastal care: why Dr Angela Glenn chose to REEF with ACRRM
For Dr Angela Glen, becoming a Rural Generalist wasn’t part of the original plan.
After completing a degree in science and genetics at the University of Western Australia, Angela entered the graduate medical program at Notre Dame Fremantle. Initially she envisioned a future in genetics or possibly surgery.
That changed in her final year of medicine when she undertook a placement in Charleville with Rural Generalist, Dr Chester Wilson.
Each month we’re spotlighting a new item from the ACRRM merch shop — and for December, it’s the ACRRM Scrubs (Unisex).
Made from a high-performance 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend, these scrubs offer a soft touch with natural stretch for all-day comfort. They’re lightweight, durable, and laundry-friendly — designed to keep up with long shifts in clinic, hospital, and everywhere in between.
Show your ACRRM pride Whether you’re teaching, travelling or presenting, ACRRM merch helps you represent your profession with confidence.
Sponsored: Download the user-friendly LEO Library - Differential Diagnoses A4 cards for diagnosing Scalp and Body Psoriasis
Psoriasis affects 3-4% of the Caucasian population worldwide, with a prevalence of 2.6% in the Australian Caucasian population.1 The most common type is chronic plaque psoriasis, accounting for 80-90% of cases.2
These cards provide essential information and visual aids for accurate diagnosis. You can access it by clicking the download buttons. We believe this resource will enhance your diagnostic toolkit and improve patient care.
References: 1. Cimmino MA. Epidemiology of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Reumatismo. 2007;59 Suppl 1:19-24. 2. Foley P. How to treat: Psoriasis. Australian Doctor. 19 February 2010. Available at: http://www.australiandoctor.com.au. Accessed 10 May 2011.
Changes to SMS communication with patients
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is implementing the SMS Sender ID Register as part of the Australian Government’s Fighting Scams initiative. The register will provide critical safeguards to protect Australians and brands from scam messages that impersonate legitimate organisations. Organisations using text messaging to communicate with their patients and customers must register all their sender IDs by 1 July 2026. From 1 July 2026, any text message (SMS or MMS) sent using a registered sender ID will be delivered with that ID and can be trusted by consumers. View this Fact Sheet for more information.
The updates help ensure injured workers are accessing the most effective services to support their recovery goals. Learn more.
Medicinal Cannabis and Driving
The Victorian Government has developed the Medicinal Cannabis and Driving Resources for Health Professionals – this resource assists patients and clinicians on impairments likely to affect driving or other safety-critical tasks. The pack includes a consumer facing poster to raise patient awareness about the impairment risks and encourage patients to speak to their health practitioner.
RDA NSW Award Winners
The College congratulates FACRRMs Dr John Marshman and Dr Charles Evill on their recent awards at the RDA NSW conference. Dr Marsham received the Bill Hunter Award for more than 36 years of dedicated service to rural health and an unwavering commitment to his community, while Dr Evill was awarded theBowman Cutter Awardfor exceptional service to the Association and outstanding leadership in rural health advocacy.
ACRRM in action
AIDA, NSW members' breakfast and Emergency Week
ACRRM was out in force this week, meeting current and potential RGs and members at the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association conference in Sydney. The team also attended the NSW RDN conference and hosted a networking breakfast for NSW-based members. While back in the national office, the clinical training team welcomed doctors from across the country for face-to-face courses as part of Emergency Week.
Digital Health
EOI: ACRRM Telehealth Clinical Skills Course
ACRRM Digital Health is pleased to announce that the ACRRM Telehealth Clinical Skills Course will return in 2026 — and it’s better than ever.
We have made significant updates to the program, including a brand-new suite of high-quality educational videos covering Paediatric Telehealth Physical Examination, Neurology Telehealth Physical Examination, Musculoskeletal Telehealth Physical Examination, and more.
If you would like to be notified when the course is scheduled and registrations open in 2026, register your interest using the link below.
Because places are limited, priority registration will be offered to those who have submitted an Expression of Interest.
Conjoint Committee for Associate Procedural Training (CCAPT)
ACRRM invites expressions of interest from Fellows wishing to nominate for membership of the Conjoint Committee for Associate Procedural Training (CCAPT).
The CCAPT is a tripartite committee between ACRRM, RACGP and RANZCOG that sets standards and oversees training for Advanced Specialised Training requirements for Obstetrics in ACRRM's Fellowship Program. The terms of reference for the CCAPT can be found here, detailing its functions and responsibilities.
There are three (3) positions available for suitably qualified Fellows.
If you are interested in nominating for this committee, please submit a brief expression of interest along with your CV to ceo@acrrm.org.au by no later than 18 December 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact Sean Hipkins on 1800 223 226 or via s.hipkins@acrrm.org.au.
Courses
Extend your skills at upcoming ACRRM courses.View all courses
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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