Over the next four months, ACRRM will host 16 networking and social events to introduce over 1,000 future rural doctors to current, experienced practitioners. Dr Xiuzhi Pham, (pictured) is one of those future rural doctors. Dr Pham is on a medical rural bonded scholarship, committed to working in rural or remote locations. She is currently an intern working at Wangaratta Base Hospital and will move to Wimmera Base Hospital for her next rotation. If you are an experienced rural doctor, keen to meet and encourage the next generation, please contact the ACRRM Bonded Support Team about an invitation to an event near you.

Dr Pham is committed to working in an area designated rural or remote (RA 2 to 5) and is 'open minded' about where.

"It could be any state," she tells Country Watch, "anywhere from central to coastal Australia and for any rural classification."

Dr Pham said Bonded Support Program – managed by ACRRM for the Australian government – has enabled her to get to know other bonded students and junior doctors and to keep up to date with what is happening.

"The ACRRM BSP team is very approachable and prompt with any queries I've had," she says. "I am also very grateful for the support allowing me to attend numerous conferences which have always been wonderful learning and networking opportunities."

Note for BMP or MRBS junior doctors and students:

BMP and MRBS participants not registered with the Bonded Support Program, please contact the BSP team at ACRRM to find out how you can be invited to networking events and get financial support to attend national and international conferences: bondedsupportacrrm [dot] org [dot] au.