Three outstanding ACRRM members have been honoured with the College’s Distinguished Service Award at the Rural Medicine Australia 25 conference in Boorloo/Perth.
The ACRRM Distinguished Service Awards honour those whose work has left a lasting mark on rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare. More than a recognition of service, they celebrate leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and a deep commitment to their communities.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says this year’s awardees — Associate Professor Marlene Drysdale, Dr Malcolm Fairleigh, and Dr Kenneth McCallum — have each made extraordinary contributions across medical education and frontline clinical service.
“Together, they represent the values at the heart of rural generalism: service, mentorship, compassion, and equity of care,” Dr Martin says.
“To be recognised with a Distinguished Service Award at the time we are celebrating Rural Generalist recognition is a truly special honour, and they join an incredible group of Rural Generalists who have received this award before them.
About each winner:
Associate Professor Marlene Drysdale
Dr Drysdale has spent her career advancing cultural education, First Nations health, and reconciliation. She has led national programs, mentored generations of doctors and educators, and worked tirelessly to close the gap. Her leadership and contributions to ACRRM, and to Rural Generalist Medicine more broadly, have been extraordinary.
Dr Malcolm Fairleigh
Dr Fairleigh’s career spans nearly four decades, including over 30 years in some of Australia’s most remote and underserved communities. A founding Fellow of ACRRM, he has provided clinical care in locations from Cape York to Christmas Island, and has been a strong advocate for First Nations health and culturally safe care. His leadership and mentorship have influenced generations of doctors and strengthened rural medicine.
Dr Kenneth McCallum
Dr McCallum has been a Fellow of ACRRM for nearly 30 years, dedicating his career to rural and remote healthcare and to the mentoring of junior doctors and medical students. A passionate advocate for the Rural Generalist model, he has contributed greatly to building systems that improve equity of care for people living far from metropolitan centres.