About the AST

Transform community well-being with Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in Population Health as part of the ACRRM Fellowship program.

Embracing a holistic approach, this AST equips you to prevent illness, reduce disease burden, and address health inequalities in rural and remote communities. In health emergencies, Rural Generalists play a pivotal role in promoting health and preventing disease outbreaks. Under the mentorship of both specialist and academic supervisors, our program empowers you to undertake impactful projects relevant to population health.

Choose an AST in Population Health and improve health outcomes for individuals and entire communities.

AST Population Heath

Curriculum highlights / credentials

A Rural Generalist who completes the AST in Population Health can:

  • take a leadership role in rural communities
  • design and implement community health strategy
  • undertake rural population research 
  • respond to infectious disease outbreaks
  • advocate for funding for interventions that address determinants of population health.

Where you can complete this AST

Population Health AST posts are accredited on a case-by-case basis prior to commencement of term and may be undertaken across one or more posts prospectively accredited by ACRRM. Examples of posts include:

  • a dedicated public population health service such as population health units or a public health centre or Centre Disease Control
  • in a post already accredited by ACRRM for Core Generalist Training
  • a training post accredited for Australian Faculty of Public Health may also be suitable but must also be accredited by ACRRM for the AST
  • institutions with established educational links to other institutions and involvement with undergraduate teaching and other vocational training would be highly desirable.

I use my AST in population health as part of my role with RFDS in the Telehealth and Education space. It also adds another rewarding dimension to my work in both Emergency and Primary care. It has allowed me to better understand the underlying factors leading to injury and disease, and try and make a broader impact on the health and well-being of communities.

Dr Katrina Starmer

FACRRM (Population Health and Emergency Medicine), FACEM

Got a question about training?

You can call us on 1800 223 226 or contact the training team.