On any given day at Karratha Health Campus, Rural Generalist Dr Nigel Hendrickson might be leading an emergency resuscitation, running a fracture clinic, or teaching the finer points of ultrasound to colleagues across the Pilbara. His work is as varied as the region he serves, but the focus is always the same — delivering safe, high-quality care close to home.
This October, Nigel will swap the red dirt for the shores of Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) after being selected from a strong field of applicants to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) inaugural Emerging Leaders Conference.
The program brings together 23 selected Rural Generalists from across Australia who have shown a strong commitment to health equity, social accountability, and improving outcomes for the communities they serve.
Nigel’s career has taken him from the Royal Australian Navy to emergency medicine in some of Australia’s most remote hospitals. Now, as Karratha Health Campus’ clinical lead for ultrasound and a champion for expanding local services, he’s working to bridge the gap between what’s available in the regions and the care people would receive in metropolitan hospitals.
“I’m motivated by the gap between what we currently provide for our patients and what we could achieve,” Nigel says.
“This conference is a chance to broaden my leadership into health advocacy and connect with others tackling similar challenges.”
The event takes place from 19–21 October, immediately before Australia’s largest Rural Generalist gathering — the Rural Medicine Australia (RMA25) conference in Boorloo (Perth).
“Travelling straight on to RMA25 means these doctors can put their new skills into practice and draw inspiration from leaders in the profession,” says ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin.
“Nigel is already leading in his community, and the Emerging Leaders Conference will help him take those skills even further.”