The Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators (FRAME) held its bi-annual meeting in Darwin over two days in October 2024, bringing together over 130 delegates from across Australia. This event celebrated collaboration, innovation, and cultural integration, with a special focus on embedding Northern Territory (NT) culture into rural medical education.
As the peak body for Rural Clinical Schools and Regional Training Hubs funded through the Australian Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program, FRAME is committed to enhancing rural medical education and workforce sustainability. This meeting provided a valuable platform for reflection and discussion on the future of rural health training.
Associate Professor Emma Kennedy and Flinders Rural and Remote Health’s First Nations staff led the design of the two-day program which featured thought-provoking presentations with a strong emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. First Nations speakers led insightful and impactful discussions on strength-based approaches to anti-racism, resilience, and the importance of valuing student and patient stories. The program also emphasised the critical role of data sovereignty in shaping First Nations health policies.
Other key highlights included:
- Student experiences in rural settings – exploring the benefits and challenges faced by medical students training in rural areas.
- Commonwealth updates – clarity on RHMT and MDMSN funding priorities focused on national workforce outcomes.
- Cultural integration – Uncle Richie Fejo’s warm Larrakia Country welcome, saltwater ceremonies, and performances at the Wharf One dinner made a lasting impact.
- Weaving and well-being stations – activities organised by Kath Martin, fostered connection and reflection.
- Group reflection models – demonstrating support and professional practice for medical educators.
- Flinders University campus tour – offering insights into the facilities supporting rural medical education in the NT.
The meeting was deemed a resounding success with feedback expressing that the delegates appreciated the collegiality, the positive framing of conversations, the generosity of the facilitators and the valuable networking opportunities. Delegates are looking forward to continuing these important conversations at their next meeting in Bathurst, New South Wales, in May 2025.