Journalists wanting to speak to an ACRRM spokesperson are invited to contact Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or email.

Helping doctors thrive in rural communities is one of the driving forces behind Beaudesert Hospital Rural Generalist Anaesthetist Dr Phoebe Shiu. 

Dr Shiu has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine's (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide from 18–20 October 2026, joining recently Fellowed Rural Generalists from across Australia. 

Working across the emergency department, operating theatre and birth suite at Beaudesert Hospital, Dr Shiu says supporting colleagues and creating positive workplace cultures is just as important as providing high-quality clinical care. 

"Registrar and junior doctor wellbeing is important to me because supporting the next generation of Rural Generalists is essential to the future of rural healthcare," Dr Shiu says. 

"I see this as an opportunity to help grow rural generalism through proactive workforce planning and strong support for doctors working in rural and remote communities." 

Alongside her clinical work, Dr Shiu is a keen medical educator who contributes to course development and facilitation with ACRRM and serves as an examiner for the College. 

She says some of her most rewarding experiences have come through mentoring medical students, junior doctors and registrars. 

"I hold these positions with immense pride and privilege as I am a safe sounding board where my mentees are able to discuss both personal and professional concerns," Dr Shiu says. 

"Having a supportive environment where people can raise concerns or ideas, continue learning and feel valued is essential if we want healthcare professionals to build long-term careers in rural and remote communities." 

Dr Shiu says her leadership ambitions are focused on creating workplaces where healthcare professionals feel supported and empowered to provide the best possible care. 

She believes investing in workforce development, ongoing education and supportive workplace cultures is key to ensuring rural communities continue to have access to high-quality healthcare. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Shiu understands that strong healthcare services depend on strong healthcare teams. 

"Her commitment to mentoring junior doctors, supporting workforce sustainability and fostering positive workplace cultures will benefit both healthcare professionals and the communities they serve." 

Dr Shiu says she hopes the Emerging Leaders Conference will provide practical ideas and new perspectives that she can bring back to Beaudesert. 

"I am looking forward to meeting like-minded colleagues, sharing ideas and exploring solutions that help grow and retain the rural health workforce into the future," she says.