A desire to understand why some communities experience poorer health outcomes than others has shaped Dr Charlene Goodman's journey into Rural Generalist medicine.
The Torquay-based Rural Generalist 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 Goodman says her interest in health equity began long before medical school, during volunteer experiences in Senegal and remote Central Australia that exposed her to significant differences in health outcomes and access to care.
"Those experiences sparked a question that has stayed with me throughout my career – how can we improve the health of individuals and communities, and reduce inequity in the system?" Dr Goodman says.
"Through general practice, I've seen how factors like nutrition, physical activity, stress, social connection and access to healthcare can have a profound impact on people's health and wellbeing."
Currently working as a Rural Generalist in regional Victoria, Dr Goodman and has previously lived and worked across rural and remote communities in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and New South Wales.
She has a strong interest in public health and lifestyle medicine and is undertaking further training in the field, with a focus on preventing chronic disease and improving health outcomes before people become unwell.
Dr Goodman says she hopes the Emerging Leaders Conference will help her develop the skills and confidence needed to advocate more effectively for healthier communities.
"I want to learn more about how health systems, public health policy and community design influence health outcomes, particularly in rural and remote areas," she says.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Goodman's commitment to prevention, health equity and community wellbeing reflects the broad impact Rural Generalists have beyond the consulting room.
"Dr Goodman is passionate about helping people live healthier lives and supporting communities to thrive," Dr Martin says.
"Her focus on prevention, public health and addressing health inequities demonstrates the important role Rural Generalists play in improving the long-term health of rural communities."
Dr Goodman says she hopes to use the experience to continue advocating for equitable, preventative and person-centred healthcare.
"Ultimately, I want to contribute to healthier communities and a healthcare system that is more accessible, sustainable and responsive to people's needs," she says.