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'Future proofing rural health care' - AMA NSW Doctor Magazine Spring 2025 edition
18th November 2025
The following is an excerpt from an article written by RDN's Communications Manager, Theo Clark, published in the Spring 2025 Edition of AMA NSW Doctor Magazine.
Global studies have the Australian health system ranked as a world leader. In 2022, the World Bank had us at 25th of 195 nations studied, in terms of physicians per head of population. But access to healthcare in Australia is far from evenly distributed, with health outcomes between city and rural or remote areas varying markedly as a result.
Maintaining and growing health access in the bush takes long-term thinking and when contemplating the future, it is wise to recall the words of Benjamin Franklin: "by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail".
The inaugural Rural Health Pathways Showcase for high school students, held in September, was all about preparation for the future.
Hosted by Rural Doctors' Network at the International Convention Centre in the heart of metropolitan Sydney, the showcase event drew together universities, health professionals and peak bodies to present to about 800 students, teachers and parents from about 50 – mostly metropolitan – schools.
Through informative talks, an expo hall, and practical workshops, the aim was to inspire a new generation of city students to think about the advantages of going rural.
"Look for opportunities," urged state Member for Wagga Wagga, and country doctor, Joe McGirr, who delivered the opening address. "There are challenges in rural health, but there are great opportunities. If you want to make a difference, rural health's the place for you."
For Lily from Macquarie College, the day was an opportunity to consider new options. "I've learned a lot about nursing, a bit of psychology – some paramedicine," she said. "I think you would have a bigger impact on someone's life versus just being in the city."
Read the full article in AMA NSW Doctor Magazine, on p. 34, here.
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