Dr Tracey Bodetti, Senior Medical Officer at Roma Hospital, has been chosen to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference, which will be held on Rottnest Island, WA, this October.
Dr Bodetti was selected as one of just 22 Rural Generalists from across Australia to attend the inaugural event, recognising her growing leadership role in rural, remote and First Nations healthcare and her passion for advocating for patients in marginalised communities.
She says her leadership journey has been something of an “accidental” path.
“Leadership wasn’t something I set out to pursue, but I’ve come to realise the impact I can have – whether that’s mentoring junior doctors, supporting colleagues, or advocating for patients in our community,” Dr Bodetti says.
“I was drawn to rural generalism because it allows me to care for the people who keep our towns and regions going.
“I want to make sure they can access timely, safe care, while also showing junior doctors the value and rewards of this profession.”
Dr Bodetti says she hopes the conference will help her build confidence in “gentle advocacy” and explore ways to continue shaping her community and profession.
“I’m still learning what kind of leader I want to be, and how best to advocate without burning out or becoming adversarial.
“I’m proud to have been chosen to attend this event and I’m looking forward to hearing how others manage these challenges, and how we can lead in ways that are sustainable for both ourselves and our communities.”
The Emerging Leaders Conference runs 19–21 October on Wadjimup (Rottnest Island) WA, immediately followed by the Rural Medicine Australia 2025 conference hosted by ACRRM and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia in Boorloo (Perth) from 22 to25 October.