Rural Doctors Association Queensland Conference Gladstone
Connectivity and invigoration are the key takeaways Rural Doctors Association of Queensland (RDAQ) President Dr Michael Reinke hopes attendees gain from the organisation’s annual premier conference – RDAQ2022.
Being held at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre from 9-11 June, Dr Reinke said the event is an invaluable knowledge-sharing opportunity for rural doctors.
“It’s no secret we’ve been through an extremely challenging time in rural medicine and medicine in general throughout the pandemic,” Dr Reinke said.
“On top of that, rural and remote communities have poorer health outcomes than those in urban settings and health professionals in these communities face unique challenges around work opportunities, facilities, equipment and lifestyle,” he said.
“The annual RDAQ conference is the one opportunity each year for rural doctors, particularly those from isolated areas, to renew friendships from years past, forge new connections and importantly, share knowledge and experience.
“Anyone who is anyone in rural medicine in Queensland is at the conference and RDAQ takes real joy and pride in seeing those experienced practitioners counselling our junior doctors who are just starting their journeys.
“Those connections can last a career and a lifetime,” he said.
“By the end of the conference we all feel invigorated to continue to take on the challenging but highly rewarding job of being a doctor in the bush – hopefully also with some new perspectives and ideas.”
RDAQ2022 features a line up of informative, interactive and thought-provoking sessions including a focus on intersectional disadvantages and bias in our society, and its impact on doctors and patients.
There is an array of social gatherings on offer, a dedicated family program of activities and the always highly-anticipated RDAQ David Horn Memorial Gala Dinner and Awards. As well as optional exercise sessions including yoga and a convoy to the Gladstone Parkrun.
Dr Reinke joined RDAQ as a medical student 2008 on the recommendation of a mentor Dr Michael Rice and he says he never looked back.
At RDAQ2022 Dr Reinke will officially handover the reigns to President-Elect Dr Matt Masel (Goondiwindi), after an extremely active year in the seat.
“I had a different job before I became a doctor, so I was a bit of a late starter and already had a young family. I joined RDAQ and as a medical student and the networking opportunities and support have been invaluable to me throughout my career,” he said.
“It’s hard to put your finger on all of the benefits of being a member of RDAQ – if you knew what it was you would bottle it and sell it”.
“Our conference is not only for our existing members though, rural doctors are very welcoming of anyone interested in rural medicine so anyone can come along.”
The RDAQ2022 website includes details on the conference line-up, family program, networking events and travel and accommodation. Standard registrations close Monday, 2 May 2022. Visit: www.conference.rdaq.com.au