Rural and remote health in Australia presents unique opportunities for doctors to make a meaningful impact. Communities in regional and remote areas rely on Rural Generalists for comprehensive care, ranging from primary care to emergency services. For registrars looking to extend their professional influence, the Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in Academic Practice offers a structured pathway to combine clinical expertise with teaching, research, and leadership.
By undertaking this AST, Rural Generalists gain the skills and experience needed to shape medical education, drive research initiatives, and support healthcare improvements across rural and remote communities.
Why Academic Practice matters in rural medicine
Academic Practice is a vital component of rural medical education in Australia. Doctors who combine clinical work with teaching and research help strengthen the quality of care in communities that often face workforce shortages and limited resources.
Integrating Academic Practice into a Rural Generalist’s career enhances the sustainability and quality of healthcare in rural and remote health settings. It enables doctors to translate clinical experience into educational and research impact, ensuring the next generation of doctors is equipped for regional practice.
Who can benefit from an AST in Academic Practice?
AST is designed for registrars who have completed:
- At least 12 months of Core Generalist Training as part of ACRRM Fellowship, or
- Postgraduate year two for doctors not yet in Fellowship training
This Program is ideal for doctors ready to expand their impact beyond patient care, including influencing education systems and research practices that support rural communities. AST builds capacity within the healthcare system while enabling doctors to grow professionally in teaching, research, and leadership.
Consider how AST aligns with your strengths: Explore AST pathways
Professional development for rural medical educators
A key component of academic practice is professional development for rural medical educators. Teaching in rural settings requires a combination of practical experience, educational theory, and cultural competence. AST Registrars learn how to design curricula, deliver effective teaching sessions, and assess learners across clinical environments.
This development is crucial for rural and remote health because it ensures that new generations of doctors receive training tailored to the challenges of regional practice. Doctors trained through this AST are prepared to mentor junior colleagues, supervise Registrars, and lead educational initiatives that strengthen the healthcare workforce in rural areas.
AST also emphasises research skills, enabling doctors to contribute to evidence-based practice in rural medicine. Registrars learn to conduct studies, analyse data, and disseminate findings through publications and presentations. This combination of teaching and research ensures that rural communities benefit from innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and ongoing improvements in clinical practice.
Teaching and research roles in rural medicine
Many doctors wonder how to transition from clinical work to teaching and research roles in rural medicine. Academic practice provides a clear framework for this transition, combining practical clinical work with structured academic training.
In rural and remote health settings, doctors often have opportunities to supervise medical students, Registrars, and allied health trainees. This hands-on experience, supported by this AST, helps doctors develop leadership and communication skills essential for effective teaching. At the same time, research projects allow doctors to investigate health disparities, evaluate new models of care, and implement programs that improve outcomes for rural communities.
The dual focus on teaching and research ensures Rural Generalists are not only competent clinicians but also skilled educators and thought leaders. Their work supports the broader goals of rural medical education in Australia, including workforce development, health equity, and community engagement.
Curriculum highlights and career outcomes
A Rural Generalist who completes AST in Academic Practice can:
- Work in a rurally orientated GP training organisation or university
- Lead and contribute to rural research
- Train and assess students and registrars
- Develop educational resources
- Contribute to curriculum, policy, and standards development
These outcomes are designed to translate academic skills into practical improvements in rural health. Graduates can influence education quality, develop curricula relevant to regional practice, and enhance the capabilities of other doctors. Academic Practice provides tangible skills and credentials that enable meaningful impact both professionally and, in the communities, served.
Discover what ACRRM offers in AST in Academic Practice: View handbook
Structure and integration of the Academic Practice AST
Academic Practice combines academic and clinical experiences, giving registrars a well-rounded understanding of teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. Training usually takes 12 months full-time or equivalent part-time, with approximately 50% of time in clinical practice and 50% in academic activities.
Training posts may include:
- General practice training organisations
- Rural Clinical Schools
- Universities
This structure ensures Registrars gain hands-on experience while contributing to educational programs and research initiatives. Academic practice also allows flexibility for those who wish to focus more heavily on academic projects, providing a pathway that aligns with professional interests and the needs of rural communities.
Broader impact of the Academic Practice AST
This AST graduates leave a lasting influence on the healthcare system. By combining clinical expertise with teaching and research, they enhance the capabilities of Rural Generalists, improve patient outcomes, and support a sustainable workforce in rural and remote areas.
Academic practice also promotes continuous professional development for rural medical educators, providing pathways for leadership, skill expansion, and mentorship. Doctors trained in academic practice can influence policy, implement innovative training programs, and guide colleagues, all of which strengthen rural health services.
Collaboration between rural health professionals, universities, and community organisations further drives innovation, addresses health inequities, and improves access to care in underserved regions.
Readiness and fit
Academic practice is most effective for registrars ready to integrate clinical work with teaching, research, and leadership. Key considerations include:
How clinical experience can inform teaching and research
Opportunities to influence rural medical education and community health outcomes
How academic and project work complements ongoing clinical responsibilities
Alignment with long-term professional goals
Academic practice is a practical, achievable pathway that allows doctors to contribute meaningfully to education, research, and leadership while maintaining their role as a Rural Generalist.
Assess your fit with AST: Explore AST options
Funding your training
Registrars on the Australian General Practice Program (AGPT) can access funding to support your exposure to working in an academic environment, such as a university.
Find out more here: Academic Posts
Taking the next step
Advanced Specialised Training in Academic Practice equips registrars to lead in rural medical education, conduct research, and shape healthcare systems in regional and remote communities. AST provides doctors with practical, transferable skills that benefit both their careers and the communities they serve.
Registrars who complete this AST gain the confidence, knowledge, and credibility to drive meaningful change, ensuring rural and remote populations receive high-quality healthcare supported by skilled educators and researchers.
Begin your AST journey today: Explore ACRRM Academic Practice AST