If you are reading this, you are probably thinking about your next steps as a doctor working in rural or remote communities. You might be wondering how you can develop your skills while making a meaningful difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You may also be asking yourself if you are ready to take on the unique challenges of these communities. These questions are natural, and you are not alone. 

Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health through ACRRM is designed precisely for doctors like you. It is a pathway that allows you to deepen your clinical expertise, build confidence, and develop the cultural understanding needed to provide care that truly matters. More than just training, it is a way to step into a role where you can leave a lasting impact. 

Understanding the context 

Working in rural and remote health means practising within diverse care models that are deeply connected to the communities they serve. Across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, health services are delivered through a mix of community-controlled organisations, government and non-government providers, all underpinned by a strong primary health care philosophy. 

Community control is central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. It reflects the right of communities to lead decisions about their own health and wellbeing and requires medical practitioners to work in partnership, adapting their practice style to different organisational, cultural and governance structures. For many doctors, this represents a meaningful shift — one that broadens clinical perspective and strengthens culturally safe practice. 

In remote and rural settings, care is delivered by multidisciplinary teams that often include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, remote area nurses and visiting or on-call medical practitioners. This is supported by well-established referral pathways, including telephone and virtual consultations with specialists, as well as routine and emergency retrieval services. Doctors are not working in isolation, but as part of a connected system of care. 

For those pursuing a career in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, developing cultural capability is just as important as clinical skill. Through our relationship with Joint Colleges Training Services (JCTS), registrars have access to cultural education and preparation support before and during their placement in First Nations communities. JCTS can also be contacted at any time for additional guidance and support, ensuring doctors feel confident, culturally informed and well supported throughout their training journey. 

The Advanced Specialised Training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health is designed to support doctors to work and learn in these environments — building advanced skills, confidence and understanding while contributing respectfully to culturally safe, community-led health care. 

Why your motivation matters

Motivation is a key consideration for doctors seeking to undertake the AST in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. This training requires more than clinical interest — it calls for a genuine commitment to working respectfully within different cultural contexts, governance structures and team environments, where doctors may not always be the designated leader. 

Doctors who thrive in this AST are open to different ways of thinking and working, able to adapt their practice, and willing to reflect deeply on their own values, culture and professional identity. The work is rewarding and often transformative, but it also requires tolerance, resilience and the ability to build trust over time. 

Prior experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or groups is strongly recommended, as is a demonstrated willingness to learn from community, colleagues and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers. Above all, this AST is suited to doctors whose motivation is grounded in respect, collaboration and a long-term commitment to culturally safe, community-led care. 

How ACRRM supports you 

Choosing where to undertake AST is an important decision, and ACRRM provides the guidance and support to make your journey achievable and meaningful. From the moment you apply, you are supported through every step of the journey.

Here is what ACRRM provides: 

  • Structured Learning: AST is part of the four-year Fellowship program and requires a minimum of 12 months full-time equivalent. You will deepen your knowledge in population health, clinical care and cultural competency. 
  • Hands-On Experience: You will work directly within rural Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, gaining practical experience that builds both confidence and competence. 
  • Mentorship and Guidance: Experienced Rural Generalists provide supervision and guidance, helping you navigate clinical and cultural complexities.
  • Community Engagement: You will develop genuine partnerships with communities, ensuring your work meets their needs and priorities. 

By choosing ACRRM, you join a network of professionals who understand the realities of rural practice and the importance of culturally safe healthcare. You will be supported every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: providing excellent care.

What you will gain 

Through the AST in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, doctors develop advanced knowledge, skills and attributes that support culturally safe, community-led practice, including: 

  • Deeper community understanding, including Traditional Custodians, kinship systems, family structures and the local social and cultural context 
  • Insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health systems, including the philosophy and operation of community-controlled health services and the role of self-determination 
  • Strong relationship-building skills, enabling respectful engagement with communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations 
  • Advocacy and leadership capability to improve health outcomes and address racism in healthcare settings 
  • Practical skills in co-design, contributing to culturally appropriate health resources and research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 
  • Reflective and sustainable practice, supporting personal and professional balance in cross-cultural, rural and remote settings 
  • Professional attributes grounded in integrity, compassion, accountability and resourcefulness, with the capability to teach, mentor and supervise others 

This AST gives you the confidence and capability to step into a role where you can make a tangible difference every day, delivering care that is both clinically excellent and culturally safe. 

How this AST shapes your career 

Completing the AST in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health equips you with advanced skills and credentials that open meaningful career pathways. Graduates are prepared to: 

  • Work in senior medical roles within rural Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services 
  • Provide advisory support to other Rural Generalists in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health 
  • Maximise the effectiveness of specialist outreach and telemedicine services in communities 
  • Teach, mentor and clinically supervise other doctors in culturally safe practice 
  • Contribute to systemic evaluation and improvement of culturally safe care 
  • Build partnerships with communities and advocate for better health outcomes 
  • Co-create health resources in response to local needs 
  • Support culturally sensitive research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 

This training not only strengthens your professional growth but also enhances the healthcare system in rural and remote communities. Fellows leave as respected, trusted doctors capable of making a lasting impact on First Nations health.  

Ready to learn more and plan your path? View the AST Handbook to explore placements, curriculum and support for your journey today. 

 

This is an opportunity to use your skills, knowledge, and compassion to make a real difference in communities that face unique challenges and health inequities. It is a chance to align your professional growth with your values and your desire to leave a positive impact on the communities you serve. 

If you want to explore how to take this next step, viewing the AST Handbook is a practical way to understand what the program offers, the opportunities it provides, and how it can support your journey toward meaningful work in Frist Nations Health. Learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health AST.