Dr Sarah Jane Springer, a proud Wiradjuri woman and Rural Generalist, has been awarded the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) 2025 Outstanding Contribution to First Nations Healthcare Award. 

With over 20 years’ experience across Aboriginal Health, obstetrics, emergency medicine, and primary care in remote Australia, Dr Springer is widely respected as a national leader in culturally safe healthcare and workforce reform. 

As a senior medical officer on the national A Better Culture project, she has driven transformative work to embed cultural safety, address racism, and improve outcomes for First Nations registrars. 

She is also the project lead for Australia’s first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO)-led Single Employer Model trial, pioneering structural change to build and retain a culturally safe remote health workforce. 

Dr Springer’s influence spans clinical practice, policy, and education. She serves as a Board Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland and is a former Director of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA). Her work continues to shape systemic reform that centres First Nations voices and delivers equity in healthcare. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Springer exemplifies the leadership and cultural knowledge which delivers meaningful change. 

“Sarah Jane brings extraordinary skill, wisdom, and commitment to every aspect of her work,” Dr Martin says. 

“She is a tireless advocate for culturally safe healthcare and a role model for doctors across the country.  

“Her leadership is not only transforming systems but also ensuring First Nations peoples receive the respect and quality of care they deserve.” 

The Outstanding Contribution to First Nations Healthcare Award celebrates individuals whose vision and dedication improve equity, cultural safety, and outcomes for First Nations peoples. 

The award was announced at Rural Medicine Australia 2025 (RMA25) in Perth, co-hosted by ACRRM and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.