Four Rural Generalist leaders receive ACRRM Distinguished Service Awards

Four Rural Generalists whose leadership, clinical service and commitment to medical education have strengthened healthcare across rural, remote and First Nations communities have received Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Distinguished Service Awards. 

The 2026 recipients are: 

They were formally presented with their awards at the Rural Medicine Australia 2026 gala dinner, held in Tarndanya (Adelaide) last night (Friday 23 October). 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says each recipient has made significant and lasting contributions to rural, remote and First Nations medicine. 

“These awards recognise exceptional doctors whose work has strengthened healthcare at a local, state and national level,” Dr Martin says. 

“They have cared for communities over decades, built new training pathways, set professional standards and generously supported the doctors following in their footsteps. 

“Some of their work has been highly visible, while much of it has happened quietly behind the scenes.  

“Collectively, their contribution has helped shape the Rural Generalist profession and build a stronger and more sustainable rural and remote medical workforce. 

“They exemplify the service, leadership and commitment to community at the heart ACRRM.” 

The recipients are: 

Dr Merran Auland 

Scone (NSW) Rural Generalist Anaesthetist Dr Merran Auland is recognised for her contribution to medical education, assessment, regulation and mentorship. 

Since 2017, she has played a leading role in the development of ACRRM assessments, including several years leading the writing of the College’s Structured Assessment Using Multiple Patient Scenarios examination. 

For almost a decade, Dr Auland has represented ACRRM on the Medical Council of New South Wales, ensuring rural generalism is appropriately understood and represented in medical regulation and professional standards. 

She is also Deputy Chair of the Remote Vocational Training Scheme and a passionate mentor and advocate for female Rural Generalists. 

“Merran’s expertise, integrity and generosity have influenced Rural Generalists across Australia,” Dr Martin says. 

“Her work helps maintain the high professional standards that rural and remote communities expect and deserve.” 

Dr Graeme Fitzclarence 

Western Australian Rural Generalist Dr Graeme Fitzclarence is recognised for his contribution to Rural Generalist Anaesthesia training and his longstanding support of junior doctors. 

Dr Fitzclarence represented ACRRM in national work to develop a consistent Rural Generalist Anaesthesia training program, helping shape its curriculum, assessment and accreditation requirements. 

He remains involved in delivering and reviewing examinations and has travelled across Australia to assess anaesthesia training sites. He has also spent more than 15 years mentoring junior doctors and recently completed seven years as Director of Clinical Training at Karratha Health Campus. 

“Graeme has devoted countless hours to ensuring rural doctors receive high-quality anaesthesia training and rural communities can access safe, advanced care,” Dr Martin says. 

“His passion for education and support of future Rural Generalists will have an impact for generations.” 

Dr Patrick Giddings 

Remote Vocational Training Scheme Chief Executive Officer Dr Patrick Giddings is recognised for transforming access to medical training in rural, remote and First Nations communities. 

Dr Giddings has led RVTS since it began as a pilot in 1999, championing a model that enables doctors to undertake specialist General Practice and Rural Generalist training while remaining in the communities they serve. 

Under his leadership, RVTS has supported more than 600 doctors across almost 400 rural, remote and First Nations communities. 

“Pat helped turn ‘training in place’ from a promising idea into a highly successful national program,” Dr Martin says. 

“The RVTS program is aligned with our College and supports registrars through to Fellowship of ACRRM.  

“His leadership has allowed communities to retain their doctors, patients to maintain continuity of care and hundreds of doctors to build rewarding rural careers.” 

Dr Richard Van Dissel 

Kapunda Rural Generalist and GP obstetrician Dr Richard Van Dissel is recognised for almost four decades of service to the Kapunda and Eudunda communities. 

For 37 years, Dr Van Dissel has provided obstetric, hospital and emergency care, often as the sole provider of local obstetric services and with a longstanding commitment to being on call. 

He has taught medical students for 30 years and supervised ACRRM registrars since 2007, while helping build Kapunda Medical Practice into a thriving rural medical and teaching hub. 

“Richard’s service demonstrates what a Rural Generalist can mean to a community over a lifetime,” Dr Martin says. 

“He has cared for generations of local families while teaching and inspiring the next generation of Rural Generalist doctors.” 

The ACRRM Distinguished Service Awards recognise College members who have made a long-term or significant contribution to ACRRM or provided distinguished service to rural and remote communities. 

For the full list of ACRRM award recipients, click here.