Rural Generalist Program South Australia

15/10/2026

We’re heading to the sold out Rural Medicine Australia - RMA conference at Adelaide Convention Centre next week!

Join the RGPSA team at Booth 66, next to the Conference Lounge. Our staff and Clinical Advisors will be ready to chat about rural generalist training pathways, opportunities in South Australia and what life as a Rural Generalist looks like.

Pick up a free coffee from the RGPSA coffee stand and bring your questions to the team.

Whether you’re considering a career in rural medicine or planning your next step, we’d love to meet you.

📍 Booth 66 – Conference Lounge

See you at !

08/10/2026

RGPSA Clinical Advisor, Dr Peter Gilchrist, was the deserved recipient of one of the South Australian Medical Education and Training's prestigious awards for 2026.

Pete has made an outstanding contribution to rural medical education and emergency preparedness across many of SA's regional local health networks - the Flinders and Upper North region in particular - and this was reflected in his being awarded the 'Interprofessional Medical Education and Training Award.'

This award recognises educators who develop innovative ways to bring multiple healthcare professions together in the education and training of prevocational doctors, with a strong focus on innovation, teamwork and collaborative connections.

Through innovative simulation programs, he has helped strengthen the skills, confidence and capability of doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics and allied health professionals working across geographically dispersed communities.

Pete is a passionate educator and mentor, and plays a huge role in the guidance and support that RGPSA is able to offer prevocational doctors as they begin their journey on the rural generalist pathway.

We’re incredibly proud to have him as part of the RGPSA team, and thrilled to see his contribution to rural medical education recognised.

Congratulations, Pete — very well deserved! 👏

Images thanks to SAMET: Pete accepting the award, and with Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer MP

02/10/2026

Finding connection beyond the clinic:

“One of the best parts of the weekend was lying under the clear night sky and looking up at the stars,” says Dr Tharushi Jayasekara – a junior doctor for Yorke and Northern Local Health Network.

“It made us stop and think about how small we are compared to everything out there, and at the same time, how lucky we are to be here at all. There was something really peaceful about sitting in the quiet, talking about life, and feeling completely removed from the busyness of everyday routine.”

The RGPSA RISE program (Rural Integration and Social Engagement) helps junior doctors feel at home in the regions by supporting them through small grants to step out into their communities and get involved in what makes regional life so special. It covers things like sporting clubs, community groups and visits from family based in metro areas.

Tharushi made use of the YNLHN camping gear – available thanks to the RISE program – to head out to the Red Banks Conservation Park with some friends.

RGPSA programs like RISE help turn a regional placement into something more — a sense of belonging, wellbeing, and genuine community connection – and it is just one of the ways that RGPSA supports those on the rural pathway.

Joining Tharushi on the trip were her friends from Adelaide - Sachin, Dilan, Vihanga, Ayesh, and Sachinthani – and she says this ability to support a healthy work-life balance whilst living regionally is what makes RISE so valuable.

“I think the key aspect is that the program allowed me to maintain and prioritise meaningful social connections outside of work, which had a positive impact on my overall experience while working rurally.”

Currently available in Eyre and Far North Local Health Network, Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network, and Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, RISE will be rolling out across all regional networks over the coming year.

18/09/2026

Rural generalism is now formally recognised as a specialist field within General Practice!

That means eligible Rural Generalists can apply for specialist RG registration through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Ahpra – but what does that involve and when do you have to complete it by?

Our latest article walks you through what’s required, how Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and RACGP Fellowship differs for the registration, what extra training or advanced skills can do for eligibility, and where you can find more support.

Read the article here:

A major change for Australia’s Rural Generalist (RG) workforce is now in effect, with rural generalism formally recognised as a specialist field within General Practice (GP). What do you need to know?

31/08/2026

Rural Generalism is set to be classified as a new field of specialty practice within general practice.

✅ Formal specialist recognition is now within reach for practising Rural Generalists
✅ The Rural Generalist title is now protected, with enforcement provisions commencing in 2027.
✅ A nationally recognised registration pathway will provide greater visibility and recognition of RG skills and qualifications
✅ Stronger foundations for workforce sustainability and improved healthcare access in rural, remote and First Nations communities

At RGPSA, we're excited about what this means for the future of the Rural Generalist workforce. It's an acknowledgment of the broad scope and advanced skills of RGs.

To all medical students and junior doctors exploring their future career options: there's never been a more exciting time to consider becoming a Rural Generalist.

Send us a message if you'd like to know more about the range of support we can offer you.

17/08/2026

A Landmark Moment for Rural Generalism!

The Medical Board of Australia has officially endorsed the Australian Medical Council’s accreditation of Rural Generalist training programs delivered by RACGP and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), clearing the way for Rural Generalists to be formally recognised for specialist registration through AHPRA.

This marks the culmination of years of advocacy and collaboration, and it's a significant final step forward for rural generalist medicine across Australia.

For medical students and junior doctors considering a career in rural medicine, this highlights that Rural Generalism is a respected, recognised and rewarding career pathway - and worth being excited about.

Congratulations to our counterparts at the colleges who have done fantastic work to reach this point!

Want to know more about Rural Generalism?
Visit https://www.ruralgeneralist.sa.gov.au/

19/07/2026

From Adelaide to Armidale!

Five Adelaide medical students travelled to rural New South Wales to attend the Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) Rural Health Summit 2026, thanks to Rural Generalist Program South Australia (RGPSA) sponsorship.

Over three days, students took part in workshops, learning sessions and networking opportunities with peers from across Australia.

From exploring rural career pathways to discussing important topics such as First Nations health and trauma-informed care, the experience left students feeling inspired and motivated.

One student described returning with "renewed enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of the vital role rural doctors play."

Read the full story and see more photos here:
https://www.ruralgeneralist.sa.gov.au/rural-generalism/rgpsa-news/

10/07/2026

Congratulations to everyone involved in last week's Australian Medical Students' Association - AMSA convention in Adelaide!

We had a fantastic time at the exhibition connecting with students and hearing about the sessions you attended and your interest in rural medicine.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to ask questions, share your experiences and learn more about rural generalism.

It was great to speak with so many future doctors and showcase the exciting opportunities available in rural and remote medicine.
Interested in a career in rural generalism? Stay connected by signing up at:

ruralgeneralist.sa.gov.au/sign-up

03/07/2026

Thinking about a rural medical career?

Our Rural Intern Clinical Simulation Day is just one of the opportunities provided to those working in our regions.

The 2026 Sim Day gave 22 rural interns from across South Australia the chance to build practical clinical skills, tackle realistic emergency scenarios and connect with peers from every regional Local Health Network.

Held at Adelaide Health Simulation, the day included hands-on training in sepsis management, respiratory failure, trauma, obstetrics, emergency medicine and mental health – all designed to build confidence before these situations arise in practice.

As one of the attendees put it, the day was “supportive, practical, and incredibly rewarding.”

If you’re a junior doctor who is keen to be part of other RGPSA events, head to our website and sign up to stay involved!

https://www.ruralgeneralist.sa.gov.au/sign-up-portal/

19/06/2026

What draws clinicians to rural practice, and keeps them there?

Kaylee Brown’s story offers a thoughtful glimpse into life and work in regional South Australia. From broader scope of practice and closer mentoring, to genuine community connection and work‑life balance, her experience reflects what many rural staff come to value over time.

Read Kaylee’s full story on the RGPSA news page - the latest in our series featuring people behind rural generalism in South Australia:

https://www.ruralgeneralist.sa.gov.au/rural-generalism/rgpsa-news/