Organisations that Support Rural Medical Education, Research and Practice

Australian Association of Academic General Practice

The AAAGP has been in existence for more than 20 years as an association of people who are undertaking research that will add to the body of knowledge of the discipline of general practice - or are teaching from and thereby refining and propagating this body of knowledge. There are more than 100 members across all departments of general practice and colleges, and from many divisions and other general practice organisations. It strives to be at the forefront of health research and medical education in the Australian community. This body represents this membership in general and specifically the University Departments of General Practice where the majority of senior researchers are based. Research is essential to strengthen and develop the fundamental role of general practitioners within primary health care. The danger of accepting findings in secondary and tertiary centres and applying those findings in the community is well known. General practitioners can provide high quality health care at substantially lower cost than specialists and need to be encouraged to maintain their critical role in management and diagnosis of health problems. AAAGP members are all involved in this process and welcome participation from all those undertaking research in general practice.

For more information visit: http://www.aaagp.org/History/history.htm

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACCRM)

ACRRM is the peak professional organisation for Rural Medicine education and training in Australia and leads the world in the development of this discipline. Its member are committed to providing the highest quality of medical care to patients in regional, rural and remote communities throughout Australia. The organisation is committed to providing support to members and future members at all stages in their career in Rural Medicine.  The services include an online learning support platform RRMEO and the ACRRM Professional Development Program.

For more information visit: http://www.acrrm.org.au

Australian Divisions of General Practice

The Australian Divisions of General Practice Ltd. (ADGP) is the peak national body representing 120 Divisions of General Practice and 7 State Based organisations across  Australia. The first local Divisions were established in 1992.  About 94 per cent of GPs are members of a local Division of General Practice.  ADGP was established after a 1998 Commonwealth Government General Practice Strategy Review recommendation that ADGP be funded as the national organisation of Divisions.  The objects for which the Company is established are to promote the health and well-being of Australians through Divisions of General Practice.

More details can be found at: http://www.adgp.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=8

Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA)

The Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) is a professional organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and graduates from across the country.

The organisation was formed to promote the prevention of chronic disease and illness and as a collegiate support network for graduates and undergraduates and to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the medical field. At present, AIDA has approximately 50 graduates and 70 medical undergraduates throughout each State and Territory of Australia.

More details can be found at: http://www.aida.org.au/

Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS)

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is a not-for-profit charitable service providing aeromedical emergency and primary health care services together with communication and education assistance to people who live, work and travel in regional and remote Australia. There is a large amount of information and resources on the website at: http://www.flyingdoctor.net

Rural and Remote Medical Education Online

RRMEO is a network of clinical and educational resources, interactive activities, and an online community dedicated to developing best practice in rural and remote health care. RRMEO partners, ACRRM, NextEd and associated institutions & providers, bring together the best in educational resources and professional development pathways on a single robust platform.

For more information visit: http://www.rrmeo.com/

Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA)

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) was formed in 1991 to give rural doctors a national voice. Their vision is for excellent medical care in Australia’s rural and remote communities and their motto is ‘caring for the country’. RDAA advocates for highly skilled and motivated medical practitioners who are adequately trained, remunerated and supported, both professionally and socially.

For more information visit: http://www.rdaa.com.au/