National Roadshow Highlights Rural Generalism for Future GPs
22 Oct 2025
The initiative, supported by the RACGP, aims to inspire students to consider careers in rural medicine.
Rural Rescue Challenge – Batchelor, NT
Over 30 students from the Flinders University NT Medical Program participated in seven practical clinical and rescue scenarios, including snakebite treatment, paediatric sepsis, heatstroke, and buffalo attack trauma. Facilitated by RACGP educators, the event showcased the realities of practicing medicine in remote settings.
Dr Jahde Dennis, Rural Generalist and RACGP Medical Educator, said the challenge helps students develop clinical reasoning, improvisation skills, and resilience, while providing a realistic view of rural healthcare.
Rural Rounds Road Trip – South-eastern Queensland
In Toowoomba, Warwick, and Stanthorpe, 24 medical students attended clinical skills sessions, hospital tours, and career panels. Monash University student Aadhya Vyas described the experience as a first-hand insight into rural practice, reinforcing her desire to pursue rural generalism and understand life both in and outside medicine.
Dr Jo Pappas, RACGP Medical Educator, said these trips allow students to form connections with local clinicians and communities, helping them see the value of healthcare professionals in rural areas and the personal rewards of working rurally.
DRIVERS 2025 Conference – Gippsland, Victoria
Around 70 medical students and rural junior doctors attended the Monash University Rural Health School’s DRIVERS 2025 Conference, showcasing research and quality improvement projects. Dr Jacqueline McDonnell, RACGP Medical Educator and Rural Generalist, highlighted the importance of hearing from real rural doctors about the clinical and social opportunities available, as well as the sense of community in rural practice.
GP Career Weekend – Riverland, South Australia
Twenty-two Flinders University medical students participated in the GP Career Weekend, gaining practical skills in obstetric care, cannulation, suturing, ultrasound, and emergency management in resource-limited settings. RACGP-supported sessions gave students a clear view of a typical day for a rural GP, helping inspire the next generation of rural doctors.
These programs collectively aim to strengthen the rural workforce pipeline by giving medical students exposure to the diversity, challenges, and rewards of rural medicine.
Source: newsGP – newsgp.com.au
