AMA Rural Reference Group Ready for Action
AMA President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, today named the members of the AMA's new Rural Reference Group (RRG) who will investigate the unique health needs of country Australians and communities and make policy recommendations through the AMA to the Federal and State Governments.
The formation of the group was announced at last month's AMA National Conference and Dr Haikerwal has spent the past few weeks personally canvassing potential members.
Dr Haikerwal said the AMA is serious about finding solutions to the many health service access problems confronting country Australia.
"The members of the RRG are uniquely equipped with the skills and experience to identify what is required to deliver a better health deal to rural communities," Dr Haikerwal said.
"They represent general practitioners, specialists and doctors in training, and they all have a passion for country practice and ensuring quality care for patients in rural Australia."
The AMARRG members are:
Dr David Rivett (Chair) Bateman's Bay, NSW GP
Dr Henry Hicks Wagga Wagga, NSW Surgeon
Dr Aniello Iannuzzi Coonabarabran, NSW GP
Dr Ross Maxwell Dalby, Queensland GP
Dr David Meadows Darwin, NT GP
Dr Paula Kitto Alice Springs, NT Doctor In Training
Dr Pradobh Gogna Beverley, WA GP
Dr Peter Rischbieth Murray Bridge, SA GP
Dr Matthew McConnell Payneham, SA Doctor In Training
Dr Sam Lees Leongatha, Vic GP
Dr Michael Aizen Launceston, Tas GP
The Group will have its first formal meeting by teleconference on Thursday 30 June and will host a Rural Forum in Sydney on 4 August.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA),General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA), the AMA Council of Doctors in Training (AMACDT), and the AMA Council of General Practice (AMACGP) have been invited to send two representatives each to the Forum.