Growing up on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Dr Kylie Parry never imagined she would one day become a doctor, educator and national leader in rural medicine. 

Today, the Dungutti and Biripai woman works as a Rural Generalist in Tennant Creek and serves as the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM)  National Lead Medical Educator – Cultural Education, helping support culturally safe healthcare and the next generation of rural doctors across Australia. 

Dr Parry has been selected to attend the ACRRM Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide from 18–20 October 2026. 

She says her passion for leadership has always been driven by a desire to advocate for others and create opportunities for future generations. 

"I am passionate about advocating for better health outcomes for rural and remote communities, particularly First Nations people," Dr Parry says. 

"I am also keen to be a good role model for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to encourage them to become strong leaders and to realise they can achieve their goals if given an opportunity." 

Dr Parry began her healthcare career as a registered nurse before later studying medicine and pursuing a career as a Rural Generalist. 

Throughout her career she has worked extensively in rural and remote communities, while also taking on education, mentoring and leadership roles at local, Territory and national levels. 

She says one of the most important lessons she learned early in life was the power of advocacy and creating opportunities for others. 

"Advocacy can make an enormous difference in people's lives," Dr Parry says. 

"I want to continue helping create pathways for First Nations medical students, registrars and Fellows, and support culturally safe healthcare that reflects the needs of communities." 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Parry's commitment to First Nations health, medical education and rural healthcare leadership makes her an outstanding participant in the Emerging Leaders Conference. 

"Dr Parry has dedicated her career to supporting rural, remote, and First Nations communities, developing future healthcare leaders and improving culturally safe care," Dr Martin says. 

"Her leadership and advocacy continue to make a significant contribution to rural medicine across Australia." 

Dr Parry says: "I want to continue growing as a leader who can support and advocate for others while helping improve healthcare outcomes for rural, remote and First Nations communities," she says.