A life-threatening illness, a passion for rugby and a chance meeting with one of Rural Generalist Medicine's pioneers helped shape the career of Innisfail’s Dr Jack de Guingand. 

Now the Rural Generalist Anaesthetist and Emergency Medicine doctor has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine's (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide from 18–20 October 2026. 

Dr de Guingand says the opportunity will allow him to learn from experienced rural health leaders and continue developing the skills needed to support patients, colleagues and communities across Far North Queensland. 

"When I was 14 years old, I became critically unwell with toxic shock syndrome and spent weeks in hospital," Dr de Guingand says. 

"That experience gave me a perspective that I wanted to become a doctor and help people the way I had been helped." 

Born in Tasmania, raised in Melbourne and educated in Sydney and Brisbane, Dr de Guingand originally pursued elite rugby before finding his calling as a Rural Generalist doctor. 

A chance introduction to respected Rural Generalist and former ACRRM President Dr Bruce Chater during his university years led to a placement in Theodore, Queensland. 

“Started from the bottom now I'm here in Far North Queensland.” Dr de Guingand says.  

“I came into medicine after having a fair crack at trying to play pro rugby union  

“I met legend of the bush Dr Bruce Chater via his sons on the rugby field and organised to go out to Thedore to get a taste of rural generalism under his tutelage.  

“Ten years later and I haven’t looked back.  

“As all Rural Generalists do, I love the spice of life that keeps me keen.  

“I also love the passionate and like-minded team that I work with.” 

Now based in Innisfail, Dr de Guingand recently stepped into the role of Emergency Department Clinical Lead and is helping support a strong culture of education, teamwork and training within the hospital. 

He says one of his long-term goals is to help develop the future rural medical workforce. 

"The Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway played a huge role in helping me become the doctor I am today," he says. 

"I'd like to return the favour by supporting future Rural Generalists and helping ensure rural communities continue to have access to skilled doctors." 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr de Guingand's commitment to rural medicine, education and clinical leadership makes him an ideal participant in the Emerging Leaders Conference. 

"Dr de Guingand brings a strong understanding of teamwork, resilience and the importance of supporting healthcare professionals throughout their careers," Dr Martin says. 

"His commitment to rural health and developing the next generation of Rural Generalists reflects the leadership qualities the conference aims to foster." 

Having recently become a father, Dr de Guingand says he is also keen to learn more about balancing leadership, family life and a sustainable medical career. 

"I'm looking forward to meeting like-minded colleagues, learning from experienced mentors and gaining new perspectives that I can bring back to Innisfail and Far North Queensland," he says.