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Next ACRRM President revealed
Rural Generalist Dr Rod Martin will take over the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s top job in October.
Dr Rod Martin lives in Armidale, New South Wales, and has been a Rural Generalist for 20 years.
The RACGP has welcomed Dr Martin’s appointment, which he will take over from Dr Dan Halliday in October.
Looking forward, Dr Martin said his three priority areas as President will be to support Rural Generalists to understand the profession, raise awareness of the college’s value, and educate communities about the role of Rural Generalists.
‘While we have made significant strides in workforce development and the recognition of rural and remote medicine, there is always more to be done,’ he said.
‘I am also passionate about recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine as a specialist field within the specialty of general practice.
‘[I] look forward to working with the RACGP and the Rural Generalist Taskforce to progress the work that has already been undertaken.’
Currently practising in Armidale, Dr Martin has been a Rural Generalist for almost 20 years, as well as being a senior lecturer in rural medicine and critical care, and co-founder of Remote Patient Monitoring service company, Observa Care.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins congratulated Dr Martin on his new role, as well as thanking Dr Halliday for his work and support throughout his two-year term.
‘The RACGP works very closely with ACRRM in our joint advocacy for GPs and I look forward to working with Rod as we continue that close relationship between the colleges,’ she told newsGP.
‘I also want to thank Dan for his tireless work campaigning for rural doctors and specifically for his advocacy in sharing the perspectives of our rural and regional workforce on the national stage.’
As outgoing President, Dr Halliday said Dr Martin has proven his dedication to the college’s vision.
‘I have no doubt that under his guidance, ACRRM will continue to thrive as it embarks on a new chapter focused on educational and clinical excellence and bringing innovative and socially accountable approaches to accessible healthcare where it is most needed,’ Dr Halliday said.
Dr Martin will officially take over from Dr Halliday at the college’s Annual General Meeting in October.
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