Exceptional medical students showing a clear pathway towards a career as a Rural Generalist have been recognised as the recipients of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) 2025 Medical Student of the Year state awards. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the awards celebrate students who are committed to training in rural and remote locations, demonstrate strong leadership in their communities, and show dedication to building their future as Rural Generalists. 

“These students are already making an extraordinary contribution to their peers, their communities, and the Rural Generalist profession,” Dr Martin says. 

 “They represent the passion, innovation, and dedication that will ensure rural, remote, and First Nations communities continue to have access to high-quality healthcare into the future.” 

2025 State Award Recipients 

• Victoria – Heidi Annand (Swan Hill) 
  Final-year Charles Sturt University student, Heidi has combined clinical placements in Swan Hill, Deniliquin, Melbourne, and Karnataka, India, with a strong leadership record. She has served on the National Rural Health Student Network, founded her university’s medical society, and edits its student newsletter. 

• Queensland – Eiryn Twidale (Kingaroy) 
  Through Griffith University’s Longlook program, Eiryn has completed extensive rural clinical placements and committed to the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway. Beyond medicine, she co-founded grassroots fitness initiatives in Kingaroy and advocates for sustainable local training pathways. 

• New South Wales – Chloe Campbell (Bombala) 
  A former nurse and founder of the not-for-profit Boots to Scrubs, Chloe has provided more than $60,000 in scholarships and mentoring for rural women in medicine. She is completing her final year at Charles Sturt University and is determined to return to rural practice. 

• South Australia – Catherine Southam (Mount Gambier)
  A fourth-year Flinders University medical student, Catherine has completed her clinical placements in Naracoorte and Mount Gambier and plans to intern locally. She is recognised for her commitment to rural medicine and for mentoring and supporting junior students within her regional medical community.

• Northern Territory – Parsa Javadpour 
  Now in his second year of medicine, Parsa has volunteered across Victoria, Tasmania, and the NT, with a focus on culturally safe care and community engagement. Passionate about mental health, he is committed to advancing equitable access to care in remote areas. 

• Western Australia – Aadhikar (Aadhi) Sharma (Karratha)
  Curtin University medical student and President of the Curtin Rural Outreach Health Club, Aadhi has expanded student engagement across WA, introduced the state’s first rural Teddy Bear Hospital program, and represents rural students nationally. 

Each state winner is now in line for the National Rural Generalist Medical Student of the Year Award, which will be announced at the Rural Medicine Australia 2025 (RMA25) conference, being held in Boorloo (Perth) from 22–25 October. 

The national winner will receive full RMA25 registration, three nights’ accommodation, and return airfares. The conference is co-hosted by ACRRM and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.