Rural generalist medicine has been officially recognised as its own specialty by the Medical Board of Australia, a landmark decision acknowledging what you've always known: this work is fundamentally different.

When you're managing obstetric emergencies without specialist backup, coordinating complex trauma transfers across vast distances, and balancing therapeutic relationships with patients who are also your neighbours, the medico-legal stakes are uniquely high.

Real scenarios, expert guidance

MIPS's new on-demand webinar tackles the complex situations rural practitioners face daily, presented by Dr Carrie McKenzie, an Indigenous rural generalist with years of remote practice experience.

The webinar covers:

• Firearms and driver licencing assessments when patients demand you alter their medical records
• Terminating therapeutic relationships after workplace violence when you're the only accessible provider
• Your legal obligations when an apprehended violence order exists but the patient presents to emergency
• Managing practice closure when no one will buy your clinic for three years
• Protecting your own wellbeing in isolated, high-pressure environments

Dr McKenzie, now a MIPS medico-legal adviser, shares practical guidance: "I'm never going to tell you what to do, but because I'm removed from the situation, I can highlight options you might not have considered."

The rural reality no one talks about

Working above scope isn't optional when you're it. Professional isolation means practice patterns can drift. Boundaries blur when patients are friends' parents. Violence feels more dangerous when backup is hours away.

The webinar addresses what Dr McKenzie calls the warning signs rural doctors miss: disrupted sleep, increased reliance on alcohol for stress relief, social isolation. Her advice from remote practice: "If you don't take that one or two days off when you need it, you could end up needing six weeks. And who's going to look after patients for six weeks?"

Why rural practitioners choose MIPS

MIPS members have access to experienced medico-legal advisers who are practising healthcare professionals themselves. When you’re making difficult decisions with limited resources, expert advice is just a phone call away.

As a member-owned mutual, MIPS exists to support you. You get comprehensive indemnity insurance cover up to $20 million, medico-legal support from experienced advisers like Dr McKenzie, and educational resources including this webinar (offering one hour of educational activity continuing professional development, plus five additional hours through pre and post activities).

Should a claim or complaint arise, dedicated specialists who understand rural practice context guide you through every step.

Ready to join MIPS?

Get a quote or learn more about membership at www.mips.com.au. Call 1800 061 113 or email info@mips.com.au to speak with our member services team about how MIPS protects rural practitioners like you.

_{Medical Indemnity Protection Society ABN 64 007 067 281 | AFSL 301912}

<sub>All information on this page is of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon as, nor to be a substitute for, specific legal or other professional advice. No responsibility for the loss occasioned to any person acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material published can or will be accepted by MIPS.

You should seek legal or other professional advice before relying on any content, and practise proper clinical decision making with regard to the individual circumstances.
Information is only current at the date initially published.
If in doubt, contact our claims and 24-hour medico-legal advice and support team on 1300 698 573. You should consider the appropriateness of the information and read the Member Handbook, Combined PDS and FSG before making a decision on whether to join MIPS</sub>