Rural Round-Up showcases reward and opportunities of rural general practice

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) will welcome approximately 40 GP registrars from across the region to Dubbo, Wellington, and Warren this month for its annual Rural Round-Up, a two-day immersive education experience showcasing the unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards of rural general practice. 

Taking place on 13–14 October, the program will give registrars firsthand experience of delivering healthcare in rural and remote communities through site visits, interactive learning sessions, and engagement with local health services.  

Activities include visits to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, Wellington Hospital, and rural general practices, as well as discussions with local healthcare professionals and community leaders.  

RACGP Regional Director of Training Dr Kerrie Stewart said the event provides invaluable insight into the vital role GPs play in rural communities. 

“Rural general practice offers an incredibly rewarding career, with GPs providing comprehensive care across all stages of life while becoming deeply connected to the communities they serve,” she said. 

“The Rural Round-Up gives registrars the opportunity to see that firsthand. They’ll meet local healthcare teams, learn about innovative models of care, and experience the strong sense of collaboration that underpins healthcare delivery in rural Australia.” 

Registrars will explore how healthcare providers adapt to challenges including workforce shortages, distance, and limited local resources, while maintaining high-quality patient care. 

“One of the strengths of the Rural Round-Up is that it takes learning beyond the classroom,” Dr Stewart said.  

“Registrars will see how geography, available services, and community needs influence healthcare delivery, and how clinicians work together to overcome those challenges. 

“They will also learn about innovative services such as VCARE, which connects clinicians in rural and remote communities with specialist support, helping ensure patients can access expert care regardless of where they live.” 

RFDS South Eastern Section Clinical Director Primary Care Dr Nici Williams said RFDS was proud to be a partner of the Rural Round-Up program. 

“For many years, RFDS has partnered with the RACGP’s Rural Round-Up program because it provides registrars with an insight into the breadth and diversity of rural generalism,” Dr Williams said. 

“By visiting services, meeting clinicians and hearing about their experiences, participants can see the impact rural doctors have on the health and wellbeing of their communities and why it remains one of the most rewarding careers in medicine.” 

A key feature of the program is engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, including a visit to the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service. Registrars will gain insight into culturally responsive models of care and the importance of community-led healthcare. 

The event will conclude with a GP networking function at Dubbo Turf Club on Monday evening, hosted in partnership with the Western Regional Training Hub and Western NSW Primary Health Network.  

Hosted by RACGP Rural Chair Associate Professor Michael Clements, the networking event will bring together local GPs, supervisors, registrars, medical students, and junior doctors to strengthen professional connections across the region. 

Dr Stewart said exposing future GPs to the many benefits of rural practice is critical to building a sustainable healthcare workforce. 

“Many communities across rural and remote Australia need more doctors, and experiences like this help registrars see the professional opportunities and lifestyle benefits available outside metropolitan centres,” Dr Stewart said. 

“We hope participants leave with greater confidence, broader clinical skills, and a genuine appreciation for the innovation, resilience, and community spirit that make rural general practice such a rewarding career pathway.”