Gympie’s Dr Sarah Ross has been named as one of just 23 doctors across Australia to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference, to be held on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) WA, this October.
Dr Ross, who works with the North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health, says she is thrilled to be chosen for the inaugural event.
“I was raised in a family that faced financial hardship, so I understand how disadvantage can affect every part of a person’s life, including their health,” Dr Ross says.
“That experience has given me a strong sense of responsibility to give back, and I want to dedicate my career to working with communities experiencing disadvantage, particularly in First Nations health.”
She says her goal is to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, developing trust and supporting their goals.
“I don’t see myself as the leader, but rather as a champion—celebrating First Nations leaders and supporting change that is culturally safe, community-led, and sustainable.”
Dr Ross hopes the leadership conference will help her build confidence, strengthen her mentoring of junior doctors, and connect with other rural and remote doctors facing similar challenges.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Ross’s selection reflects her commitment to health equity.
“Dr Ross brings deep passion and lived experience to her work,” Dr Martin says.
“She will be a strong voice at the conference, and we look forward to seeing how her leadership continues to benefit communities in Gympie and beyond.”
The Emerging Leaders Conference runs from 19 to 21 October on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), followed by the Rural Medicine Australia 2025 conference in Boorloo (Perth), hosted by ACRRM and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia from 22 to 25 October.