Alice Springs Rural Generalist selected for national leadership program

A Rural Generalist who now calls Mparntwe (Alice Springs) home has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine's (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference. 

Dr Jessica Roberts is one of a select group of recently Fellowed Rural Generalists from across Australia chosen to participate in the national program, which will be held at Mt Lofty Estate in Adelaide from 18–20 October 2026. 

Now in its second year, the Emerging Leaders Conference supports Rural Generalists who are committed to strengthening rural healthcare and helping shape the future of rural medicine. 

Dr Roberts says she is looking forward to learning from fellow Rural Generalists and developing the skills needed to create lasting improvements in healthcare systems and patient outcomes. 

"At the core of my aspirations is a desire to improve systems, strengthen training opportunities and address the health inequities experienced by rural, remote and First Nations communities," Dr Roberts says. 

Having worked in communities including Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Cairns, and Launceston, Dr Roberts has developed a strong interest in public health, medical education and workforce development. 

She has completed a Master of Public Health with a major in Primary Care and has pursued additional training to help improve access to healthcare services in rural and remote communities. 

Throughout her career, Dr Roberts has taken on teaching, mentoring and leadership roles, helping support medical students and junior doctors while developing a deeper understanding of how health systems can better serve rural Australians. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Roberts' selection reflects her commitment to improving healthcare for rural Australians. 

"Dr Roberts has demonstrated a strong commitment to education, public health and improving access to healthcare in rural and remote communities," Dr Martin says. 

"The Emerging Leaders Conference will help participants build the skills, networks and confidence needed to drive positive change within their communities and across the broader health system." 

Dr Roberts says she hopes to use the experience to further develop her leadership capabilities and bring new ideas back to the communities she serves. 

"I want to learn from my peers, understand the challenges they are tackling and bring those lessons back to the communities I work with," she says.