Rural Generalist Program South Australia

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

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/

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/

To celebrate Day in June, the Medical Education Officers in our regional Local Health Networks put on morning teas.

This year’s theme was “Safe to Speak Up."

In South Australia’s rural and remote communities, our healthcare workforce goes above and beyond every day. They are often the first—and sometimes only—point of care, and we know that working in these settings comes with unique pressures.

At RGPSA, we support junior doctors on their path to rural generalism. From training and mentorship to wellbeing initiatives and career development, we’ll continue to say to all those junior doctors: it is safe to speak up about your mental health.

One of the avenues we offer to assist wellbeing is through our RISE program - offering grants to junior doctors in rural areas to enable the social and community side of their lives. This includes taking part in local sports clubs, having family come to visit, and more.

You can learn more about how RGPSA can support you at:
ruralgeneralist.sa.gov.au

Photos thanks to Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network and Limestone Coast Local Health Network

Unique clinical opportunities.
Greater autonomy.
Broader experience.

If you’re considering a rural year as a junior doctor, those are just a few of the reasons to go ahead with it.

If you’re looking for variety, meaningful experience, and personal and professional growth, a rural year could be one of the best decisions you make.

Experience the benefits of a no-obligation training year in rural South Australia, where you can get a taste of life in the regions. You’ll also be part of a welcoming community with fantastic training support, and a great work/life balance.

If you need more information, we have just what you need - join us for two separate information nights next week, all online, to learn more:

ADVANCED SKILLS TRAINING
Tuesday 2 June
6-7pm

PGY2 RURAL PLACEMENT
Wednesday 3 June
6-7pm

Email us at the address below to book your place:
[email protected]

RGPSA is here to support medical students and junior doctors as they consider or pursue a career working in rural generalism – whether just finding out about it, or working out which college they’ll apply to!

We recently supported Flinders University Rural Health Society and Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA) as they threw their collaborative 2026 Rural Health Gala for students, sponsored by our counterparts at RACGP.

It was a great night for people to network and learn more about rural medicine – as well as take the chance to snap some photos in the RGPSA photobooth!

Well done to everyone who took part – whether organising or attending. These events are a fantastic way to help build knowledge around the incredible opportunities that rural pathways have to offer.

Networking, career-planning and breakfast.

That’s what you get when you bring together our regional health networks, the rural generalist colleges, and dozens of students from Adelaide and Flinders universities – and we call it the RGPSA Rural Medical Expo!

In April we hosted the second annual Expo – this year down in spectacular Victor Harbor in Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network. A few brave souls caught the bus from the city in the early hours, and were treated to a moving Welcome to Country, a presentation from a local doctor, and panel sessions with Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and RACGP + all of the regional networks.

See a full review of the event along with more photos from the day at the link below:

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

Follow RGPSA socials for future event information!

Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA)
Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA

Did you know many of the doctors caring for rural communities in South Australia began their careers overseas?

That’s why we recently welcomed a group of international medical graduates (IMGs) to our new IMG Orientation Workshop, as they prepare to take their first steps into rural practice.

Over two days, they had a refresh on clinical skills that are crucial to working in frontline Australian healthcare, as well as cultural and communication presentations to assist in patient care.

For our rural communities, programs like this help ensure doctors feel supported, prepared, and ready to provide high-quality care from day one.

For our rural generalists and health teams, it means stronger support on the ground, and colleagues who are set up to succeed and thrive.

We’re proud to be supporting the next generation of South Australian doctors as they begin their journey with us.

RGPSA 2026 Rural Medical Expo: exhibitor spotlight!

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

All of you attending will get to meet the accreditation colleges training the rural generalists of the future. Ask questions, explore training pathways, and get personalised advice on your next step.

They’ll both be represented at the Rural Medical Expo on 11 April!