By Samantha Peden - University of Queensland

With the theme “Bringing it all Together”, the Rural Medicine Australia’s 6th Annual Scientific Conference, did just that – brought it all together! The conference successfully covered clinical workshops relevant to rural medicine, the latest rural research and workforce retention issues.

The conference was set in Hobart, Australia’s smallest capital city with its natural surrounds providing the idyllic setting to explore rural issues. Despite the chilly spring weather the attendees were able to explore the Salamanca region and enjoy the views from Mount Wellington.

The conference itself was a resounding success featuring keynote speakers from a range of diverse rural specialities. Among these speakers were Professor John Humphreys (Professor of Rural Health Research, Monash) and Professor John Wakerman (Inaugural Director for the Centre of Remote Health, Alice Springs) who provided interest into policy and the impact it has on rural health research. Two speakers I found particularly relevant were Dr Patricia Stuart whose research discussed simulated inter-professional health care provision and Kaye Lasserre, Research Librarian. Mrs Lasserre enlightened attendees on the supportive role of Librarians in Rural Research.

Of particular interest to the students were seminars addressing issues such as Emergency Medicine and Avalanche rescue. These workshops provided practical and relevant information and skills to support the rural practitioner for scenarios particularly relevant to Rural Medicine. The conference social program provided students and medical practitioners the ideal forum to network, share ideas and discuss challenges experienced in the rural setting.

On a lighter note, a dermatology competition was conducted by ACRRM in which participants were required to determine the method of treatment for a range of skin conditions. With a perfect score of 200, Justin Gibbs (UQ MBBSIII) took out first place and was awarded a new camera for his efforts. With over 300 attendees flying in from all parts of the country, Australia’s largest conference for doctors in rural and remote regions, was a resounding success. I look forward to seeing you all in Alice Springs in 2011!

(Joseph Comben, Sam Fogarty, Dr Jeff Ayton, Samantha Peden, Justin Gibbs)