As ACRRM’s immediate past president, A/Prof Halliday has spent decades championing rural generalism while continuing to practise as a Rural Generalist Obstetrician. Along the way, he has helped shape training pathways, strengthen rural health services and support the next generation of doctors. 

But his story began long before boardrooms and policy meetings. 

Growing up in northern New South Wales, Dr Halliday saw firsthand the inequities faced by rural communities when accessing healthcare. He also saw the impact rural doctors could have. 

“I recognised the value of the rural doctors we had cause to be involved with during my early days,” he reflected. 

One of those doctors made a particularly lasting impression. 

“The Rural Generalist Obstetrician who delivered me is actually still practising medicine today, into his 80s.” 

During the drought years of the early 1990s, Dr Halliday faced a decision about his future. Encouraged by his parents to pursue opportunities beyond the family property, he began considering medicine after watching a documentary about healthcare challenges in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

That decision was not without skepticism. 

“When I spoke to my careers advisor, they said only one student from Tenterfield High School had gone on to study medicine in the last 50 years,” he said. 

Undeterred, Dr Halliday completed biomedical science before entering medicine at The University of Queensland. 

He joined ACRRM in 2006 as the College’s 100th registrar and quickly immersed himself in leadership and advocacy opportunities that would help shape the future of rural generalism in Australia. 

“I was very fortunate to be immersed in the growth of Rural Generalist training right from the start,” he said. 

Early leadership opportunities included governance roles with rural medical training organisations and the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland, where Dr Halliday developed a strong interest in advocacy and organisational leadership. He later completed the Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course to strengthen his governance expertise. 

Throughout his career, mentors and colleagues played an important role in helping guide him through pivotal moments. 

“There are different things that stick with me over time,” he said. “Sometimes it’s not someone you’ve had a significant relationship with — it might just be a kind word at the right time or a little bit of sage wisdom.” 

Among those influences were respected rural doctors, educators and advocates across Queensland who helped shape his approach to medicine, leadership and training. 

In 2007, Dr Halliday was encouraged to consider a move to Stanthorpe — a decision that would define the next phase of his career. 

Over 17 years in Stanthorpe, including a decade as Medical Superintendent, he helped transform the local health service into a thriving integrated training practice. 

“We grew that facility from three doctors to an integrated training practice with medical students, interns, registrars and senior medical officers, with more than 20 doctors on the books,” he said. 

Despite the achievement, Dr Halliday is quick to credit the broader team. 

“You can’t do those things yourself. It’s an extreme team effort.” 

That collaborative mindset continued during his presidency of ACRRM, a role he took on in 2022 during one of the most significant reform periods in the College’s history. 

Under his leadership, ACRRM navigated the transition to college-led training while continuing to advocate for rural generalism recognition and expansion across Australia. 

“That two years was next level,” he said. 

“There were a lot of detractors and a lot of challenges during college-led training, but we held the line.” 

Dr Halliday said one of his proudest achievements was ensuring rural generalism remained visible, valued and supported throughout the transition. 

“The first year that we had college-led training in our own right, ACRRM was 40% oversubscribed across its pathways,” he said. 

“It showed there is strong demand and strong belief in Rural Generalist medicine as a career.” 

He also reflected on the enormous momentum now building nationally, with Rural Generalist programs expanding across multiple states and territories. 

“It’s amazing to see places like Tasmania becoming a Rural Generalist hub,” he said. 

One milestone particularly close to his heart was the progress toward specialist recognition for Rural Generalist medicine. 

“It gives surety to say that the value of the profession is coming true,” he said. 

“The future opportunities for Rural Generalist medicine are really bright.” 

Balancing clinical work, advocacy and leadership was not always easy. During his presidency, Dr Halliday continued practising obstetrics in Stanthorpe while travelling extensively for meetings, reviews and advocacy work. 

“At times there wasn’t balance,” he admitted. 

But he remained energised by seeing younger doctors step into leadership roles and watching rural generalism continue to grow. 

“To see people come through into positions of significance within the College and the profession is amazing,” he said. 

Now based in Roma as Director of Medical Services Eastern Sector for the South West Hospital and Health Service, Dr Halliday is focused on workforce development, integrated care and strengthening healthcare delivery across rural communities. 

For doctors considering leadership and advocacy, his advice is simple. 

“If someone identifies something in you, believe in yourself and your ability to step up,” he said. 

“Don’t be afraid to say yes and have a crack.” 

And perhaps most importantly: 

“Even if it doesn’t work out, you’re not going to die wondering. At least you’ve had a go.”

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