Western Australian Rural Generalist Dr Graeme Fitzclarence has been named a recipient of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contribution to rural medicine, medical education and the training of future Rural Generalists. 

 

Dr Fitzclarence was formally presented with the award at the Rural Medicine Australia 2026 gala dinner, held in Tarndanya (Adelaide) last night (23 October). 

 

Raised in Bencubbin, in the North Eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, Dr 
Fitzclarence saw the value of broad-scope rural medicine from an early age through the 
work of his family doctor, who delivered babies, delivered anaesthetics and performed 
surgeries, including treating his osteomyelitis as an 8 year old child.

 

His own path to medicine was far from conventional. After working as a jackaroo and 
completing a spray-painting apprenticeship, Dr Fitzclarence developed idiopathic 
cardiomyopathy and was given just 12 months to live at the age of 26.

 

He underwent a heart transplant at age 34, then retrained as a nurse and paramedic before becoming a doctor and pursuing a career as a Rural Generalist with advanced skills in anaesthesia. 

 

Over the past 16 years, Dr Fitzclarence has worked across rural Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia in general practice, emergency medicine, anaesthesia and palliative care. 

 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Fitzclarence’s career reflects the determination, adaptability and commitment to community that define Rural Generalist Medicine. 

 

“Graeme’s journey into medicine is remarkable, but equally remarkable is what he has 
chosen to do with it,” Dr Martin says. 

 

“He has devoted countless hours to improving Rural Generalist Anaesthesia training, 
assessing training sites and supporting doctors at every stage of their careers. 
“Much of this work happens quietly and voluntarily, but its impact can be seen in the high standards of training and the growing number of doctors equipped to provide advanced care in rural communities.” 

 

Dr Fitzclarence has represented ACRRM in work with the Royal Australian College of 
General Practitioners and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists to 
develop a nationally consistent Rural Generalist Anaesthesia training program, and several professional documents, statements and national guidelines for procedural medicine in theatre and emergency departments. 

 

He helped shape the curriculum, assessment and accreditation requirements and remains involved in delivering and reviewing examinations. He also travels throughout Australia to assess anaesthesia training sites and help them strengthen the quality and safety of their programs. 

 

Alongside this national work, Dr Fitzclarence has spent more than 15 years mentoring junior doctors and encouraging them to pursue careers in rural medicine. He recently completed seven years as Director of Clinical Training at Karratha Health Campus and continues to support the rural medical workforce through the University of Western Australia’s Regional Training Hubs.

 

Dr Fitzclarence says supporting the next generation of rural doctors has been one of the most rewarding parts of his career. 

 

“Rural medicine gave me the opportunity to build a career that is varied, challenging and deeply connected to community,” he says. “I have always believed it takes a community of clinicians to raise a junior doctor. If we give young doctors strong training, generous mentorship and confidence in their skills, we give rural communities a stronger and more sustainable medical workforce.” 

 

“I have mentors both rurally and metro based, and have been provided fantastic 
opportunities especially rurally that have shown me how to determine not only what is ailing our patients, but what matters to them.” 

 

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