James path to ACRRM was shaped by his extensive experience in paediatrics, disability, developmental issues, and behavioural health and he recently received his ACRRM Fellowship through the Rural Experienced Entry to Fellowship (REEF) program, solidifying his dedication to rural medicine and the next generation of Rural Generalists (RGs). 

Reflecting on the growing popularity of the ACRRM training program, James says it’s the College’s singular focus on RG Medicine that creates a unique energy. 

"ACRRM is about training and developing RGs. “When you focus purely on that, it brings a different energy, a different level of intensity, a different level of knowledge, expectations, and skills that can be very refreshing," he explains.  

"Supervisors in ACRRM understand our registrars will likely be working in places with limited resources, where their role extends beyond traditional general practice.  

James believes that enthusiasm and commitment are at the core of great supervision.  

“Being exposed to people who are training to be RGs can be very nourishing.” 

"A good supervisor is someone who is passionate about mentoring, someone who wants to build the future of rural medicine," he says. 

RGs, by nature, operate in environments where backup is limited, requiring them to develop a wide range of skills and confidence in their abilities.  

As a supervisor, James takes pride in shaping these young doctors. 

"I love getting registrars in the first term of their training.  

" They come in with hospital knowledge and skills, but it’s in the general practice setting that we mould them into the RGs they aspire to be. 

" It’s about instilling values, expectations, and a drive for excellence." 

For James, supervision isn’t just about helping doctors pass exams; it’s about creating a mindset of excellence.  

"We don’t want just ‘bums on seats’ getting through their training.  

"We want Rural Generalists who aim to be the best.  

"That’s what ACRRM is about. 

"There’s also a lot of satisfaction in supporting a registrar through a difficult period or helping them through parts of their role may relate not to knowledge or skills, but to their professionalism, their ethics, and how they interact with staff. 

"When you can turn that around it’s rewarding. And for new supervisors, this part of the role should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat." 

Looking ahead, James is optimistic about where ACRRM’s supervision program is headed. With the expansion of rural generalism at a national level and increasing recognition of its importance in addressing healthcare gaps, he sees a positive future for the profession. 

"There’s a growing awareness of how critical RGs are, not just among government and health bodies, but also among new graduates. 

 "When I finished medical school, I barely knew rural generalism existed.  

"Now, it’s becoming a highly regarded career path." 

To meet this growing demand, James says ACRRM is continuing to foster innovation in training and supervision.  

"It’s not just about teaching technical skills like intubation or central line placement, or how to deliver a baby," he says. 

"It’s about training registrars in the practical skills they’ll need every day.  

"How do we create adaptable, resourceful, and highly skilled RGs? “That’s the challenge we embrace." 

Equally important is building a strong community among supervisors.  

"Rural medicine can be isolating, but it doesn't have to be. 

" One of the things supervisors value most is the opportunity to connect, share stories, and learn from each other. "Strengthening that community is key to our success. 

 " ACRRM is setting the standard for RG training in Australia—and as a supervisor, that’s something to be excited about." 

About  Dr James Best 

Dr Best has been a GP Supervisor since 2003 and a GP Supervisor Medical Educator since 2007. He works on the south coast of New South Wales and has a specific interest in paediatrics, particularly paediatric disability. In 2023, Dr Best took up supervisor and  medical educator roles with ACRRM. He is currently a Supervisor Liaison Officer in ACT/NSW.