Ceduna-based Rural Generalist Dr Barbara Butler has been selected to attend the inaugural Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference, being held on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) WA, in October.
The two-and-a-half-day program will bring together a select group of early-career Rural Generalists from across the country who are committed to improving healthcare in rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
Running from 19–21 October 2025, the event is intentionally timed just before ACRRM’s national Rural Medicine Australia conference in Boorloo (Perth), giving participants the opportunity to connect with each other and with health leaders from across the sector.
Dr Butler, who lives and works as a Rural Generalist obstetrician in Ceduna, says she’s looking forward to learning from other Rural Generalists, building her leadership skills, and continuing to advocate for health equity.
“After gaining Fellowship in 2023 and settling in Ceduna, I’ve recommitted to growing as a leader—particularly in the areas of teaching, workforce support, and health system reform,” she says.
“My passion for leadership comes from a deep drive for justice and equity, both within Australia and globally.
“I want to help build a strong rural and remote workforce that is empowered to support the next generation of doctors and the communities we serve.
“I’m especially interested in how we can build strong local systems that support teaching and mentorship. We know that meaningful exposure to rural, remote and First Nations health is key to building the future workforce—but to do that well, the current workforce needs the right support too.”
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the conference is part of the College’s commitment to building strong leadership within the profession.
“Rural and remote communities need doctors who are not only clinically skilled, but confident to lead,” Dr Martin says.
“We’re proud to support Rural Generalists like Barbara who bring passion, courage, and new ideas to the future of rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare.”
The two-and-a-half-day program will bring together a select group of early-career Rural Generalists from across the country who are committed to improving healthcare in rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
Running from 19–21 October 2025, the event is intentionally timed just before ACRRM’s national Rural Medicine Australia conference in Boorloo (Perth), giving participants the opportunity to connect with each other and with health leaders from across the sector.
Dr Butler, who lives and works as a Rural Generalist obstetrician in Ceduna, says she’s looking forward to learning from other Rural Generalists, building her leadership skills, and continuing to advocate for health equity.
“After gaining Fellowship in 2023 and settling in Ceduna, I’ve recommitted to growing as a leader—particularly in the areas of teaching, workforce support, and health system reform,” she says.
“My passion for leadership comes from a deep drive for justice and equity, both within Australia and globally.
“I want to help build a strong rural and remote workforce that is empowered to support the next generation of doctors and the communities we serve.
“I’m especially interested in how we can build strong local systems that support teaching and mentorship. We know that meaningful exposure to rural, remote and First Nations health is key to building the future workforce—but to do that well, the current workforce needs the right support too.”
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the conference is part of the College’s commitment to building strong leadership within the profession.
“Rural and remote communities need doctors who are not only clinically skilled, but confident to lead,” Dr Martin says.
“We’re proud to support Rural Generalists like Barbara who bring passion, courage, and new ideas to the future of rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare.”