Rural Generalist Medicine recognised - A defining moment for our College and communities

A message from ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin and CEO Marita Cowie

We are delighted to confirm that Health Ministers have announced Rural Generalist Medicine as a new specialty! 
   
This is a defining moment—not only for the doctors who dedicate their careers to rural, remote, and First Nations communities, but for the communities who rely on them. 
 
This recognition formally acknowledges Rural Generalists' (RGs) unique skill set, the challenges they address, and the essential role they play. It means RGs are now valued not only by their patients and communities but by policymakers and the broader health system.

ACRRM's role in securing this title
 
ACRRM has been at the forefront of the RG movement from the beginning. 
  
We have led the way in designing and delivering RG training, ensuring doctors develop the skills they need to provide comprehensive primary and secondary care, emergency and advanced specialised skills for our rural, remote and First Nations communities. 
   
Our members have been the strongest advocates for recognition, sharing their experiences and demonstrating the impact they have on their communities. 
 
We have worked alongside the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), governments, health departments and the National Rural Health Commissioner and many others to secure this milestone—because we know that with RGs, rural, remote, and First Nations communities are stronger, healthier, and better supported. 

You can read the College’s position statement on Rural Generalist Medicine here. 

What this means for rural, remote and First Nations healthcare
 
Recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine as a specialist field within general practice is more than a title—it is a game-changer for the more than seven million Australians who live outside the urban footprint. 
 
It creates a supported career pathway, attracting more doctors to train and work where they are most needed. It strengthens our advocacy for sustainable funding, workforce incentives, and structural changes to address the longstanding healthcare challenges of people living outside the city reaches. 
 
More RGs will mean better access to quality care close to home and improved health outcomes for our communities.
 
What happens next
 
Recognition is a major step forward, but it is also the beginning of the next stage. 
 
Rural Generalist Medicine will be added to the national register of medical specialties. The title “Specialist Rural Generalist” will be protected, meaning only those with recognised qualifications can use it. 
 
Although our Fellowship program has always been to an RG outcome, ACRRM will need to apply to have the qualification specifically approved by the Medical Board of Australia. We expect to learn more about the process and timelines for this in the coming weeks and months.  
 
Once this has been successfully completed the register will have practical significance to practices, hospitals and health services who will be able to clearly identify RGs for industrial awards, credentialing or recruiting to rural roles. In time we also expect there will be implications for Medicare, as advocacy continues for item numbers that reflect the extended scope of RG work. 

Thank you to our members, past and present 
 
This milestone has been decades in the making, and it would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of many. We pay special tribute to the Rural Generalist Taskforce members from ACRRM, RACGP and the National Rural Health Commissioners past and present. 
 
We also thank our incredible partners and colleagues at the RDAA for their steadfast advocacy and support, and the jurisdiction Rural Generalist Coordinating Units, commonwealth and state governments, departments of health and community groups. 
 
To every RG working tirelessly in your communities—this recognition is for you. 
 
Your patients and communities have always recognised your impact. Now, the health system does too. Together, we will build on this achievement to create an even stronger future for Rural Generalist Medicine, and for the communities we serve.  
 
More information
 
The College website is a source for further information, including a list of frequently asked questions. You can also view the Medical Board's media release and frequently asked questions, and Minister Mark Butler's media release.