The Future Rural Doctors Network hosted an inspiring networking event – the Future Rural Doctors Networking Event – last night at The Reveley Rooftop, overlooking the stunning Elizabeth Quay in Perth, as part of the RMA25 (Rural Medicine Australia) conference.

Sponsored by GPRA (General Practice Registrars Australia) and co-hosted by ACRRM (Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine) and RDAA (Rural Doctors Association of Australia), the event brought together more than 90 future rural doctors, including medical students, interns, and prevocational doctors.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers and mentors from across Australia and beyond, in a relaxed setting on the rooftop.

GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie highlighted the importance of events like these in fostering peer-to-peer connections among future rural doctors.

“It was fantastic to see so many passionate future rural doctors here in Perth for RMA25,” said Dr Dickie.

“GPRA has been advocating for years to ensure that doctors in training are better supported and valued, and it’s rewarding to see that momentum continuing as more young doctors consider rural general practice as a career.

“This event is about connection – bringing together people who share a vision for stronger, healthier rural and remote communities.

“When we create opportunities for medical students and junior doctors to meet mentors and peers who live and work in these communities, it helps turn their interest into training in rural and remote Australia.

“GPRA will continue to champion the needs of future GPs and advocate for the conditions and pathways that make rural general practice a sustainable and fulfilling career choice.”

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin echoed Dr Dickie’s sentiments, underscoring the value of these networking opportunities.

“Events like this are vital in inspiring and supporting the next generation of Rural Generalists,” Dr Martin said.

“At ACRRM, we know that building strong professional networks early helps future RGs feel connected, confident, and valued.

“It’s wonderful to see so many excited about making a difference in rural, remote, and First Nations communities — where they are needed most.”

RDAA President Dr Sarah Chalmers said a special quality of the RMA conference is that it brings together current (and often long-term) rural doctors and future rural doctors.

“RMA has become a really popular event for future rural doctors – from medical students and interns right through to registrars – because it provides a relaxed opportunity for them to chat with those doctors who are already working in rural and remote communities, and in many cases have done so for many years,” said Dr Chalmers.

“There’s a generosity of spirit and great camaraderie in the rural health sector, and this is always so evident at each RMA conference – future rural doctors really gravitate towards that.

“We were thrilled to again co-host the Future Rural Doctors Networking Event at RMA25 with ACRRM, and have appreciated the continuing support of the event by GPRA – it’s a great addition to the conference program, and really harnesses the growing interest in careers in Rural Medicine from the next generation of doctors, which is so important.”

Throughout the evening, attendees were encouraged to sign up for GPRA membership to enter a raffle for a $100 gift voucher and a GP Companion book, with the winner to be announced at the GPRA stand today (Friday 24 October) at RMA25.