Rural Generalist Medicine (RGM) is now nationally recognised as a specialist field within general practice. Rural generalists provide comprehensive primary and emergency care in rural and remote communities, with additional training in areas like obstetrics, anaesthetics and paediatrics.
Rural Generalist Medicine was recognised by the Queensland Government in 2008, following a landmark meeting in 2005 which led to the Roma Agreement and the development of the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway (QRGP) in 2007. The journey towards national recognition began in 2019, when the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), with support from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, embarked on the application process with the Medical Board of Australia.
Dr Prue Wallin, Medical Director of the QRGP, acknowledged the efforts of the many dedicated individuals and organisations who have tirelessly campaigned for national recognition.
‘This milestone would not be possible without the considerable efforts of the RG Recognition Taskforce, ACRRM and RACGP, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), past and present National Rural Health Commissioners and everyone who has advocated for national recognition.’
‘We are thrilled to see rural generalism recognised beyond Queensland and look forward to what this means for our profession, our workforce and our patients. It validates the critical services that rural generalists deliver everyday in our rural, remote and First Nations communities to provide high-quality care close to home and on country,’ Dr Wallin said.
‘This is a historic milestone for rural healthcare sustainability and quality assurance. It will encourage development in how rural generalists are attracted, trained, supported, and retained to care for their communities across Australia. Recognition should support growth of the profession and ultimately, contribute to improved access to care in our rural and remote communities.
The Queensland rural generalist 20 year forum, to be held 2-3 October in Roma, is an opportunity to harness this momentum and focus on the future. ‘With national recognition of rural generalism achieved, now is the time to explore what rural medicine needs next to keep it strong, sustainable and deeply connected to the people it serves,’ Dr Wallin said.