Training emergency medicine doctors for rural and regional Australia: can we learn from other countries?

Peter Arvier

qualifications: FACRRM

contribution: original concept, designed the project, devised survey tool, literature review, collected data, input data, wrote the first draft

position: Postgraduate researcher

Australia

Worked in rural emergency medicine in Tasmania for the past 15 years. Recently undertook a 12 month sabbatical working in rural Canada. Completed a Masters by research through University of Tasmania on training and education of emergency medicine doctors in rural and regional Australia. Current position: Associate Head, Rural Clinical School, University of Tasmania and Senior Medical Officer in Emergency Department, North West Regional Hospital

Prof Judi Walker

qualifications: PhD

contribution: supervisor/advice

position: CEO

Australia

Professor Judi Walker holds the inaugural Chair of Rural Health at the University of Tasmania, recognising the significant contribution she has made to the development of academic rural health in Australia. Her background and achievements exemplify the interdisciplinary and multiprofessional nature of rural health. Judi has overall responsibility for the Faculty of Health Science's rural health portfolio. She is Chief Executive of the University's Rural Clinical School - a conjoint appointment with the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services. Judi has an international reputation for practice and research in rural medical/health professional education, interdisciplinary education,innovation in health service delivery and education and training for health workforce reform. She leads a research team looking at health care models and policy approaches for rural older people. Judi has a longstanding engagement with paramedic education and is a member of the national Ambulance Education Council. In 2005 she completed a significant consultancy for the Council of Ambulance Authorities and developed Australia's national accreditation system for university paramedic programs.

Tom McDonagh

qualifications: FACEM

contribution: supervisor/advice

position: Emergency specialist