
qualifications: FAAP, FACEP, FRACP
contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data, Drafting of manuscript
position: Executive General Manager Medical and Retrieval Services RFDS, Associate Professor Charles Darwin University

contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data
position: Executive Director Medical Services

qualifications: PhD
contribution: Study conception and design, Analysis and interpretation of data
position: Director National RFDS COVID-19 Response
Dr Fergus Gardiner, is a health executive with experience in military, emergency, and public health leadership. Fergus has been led the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) national COVID-19 response. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fergus led many public health teams throughout Australia, including during the 2019/20 bushfire season. This has included investigating disease trends and outbreaks, and the establishment of clinical interventions. His role at the RFDS also includes being a media spokesperson, about clinical findings, trends, and national emergency situations. Fergus also oversees the RFDS Public Health and Research Unit (PHRU), which supports service delivery by coordinating national public health response measures; conducting research; producing research and policy papers; and participating in research projects aimed at improving outcomes for people in the bush.

contribution: Study conception and design, Acquisition of data
position: General Manager Pandemic Response

qualifications: BSc (Hons)
contribution: Acquisition of data
position: Operations Manager

qualifications: FRACP
contribution: Acquisition of data, Drafting of manuscript, Critical revision
position: Senior Lecturer and PhD Candidate
Remote specialist physician with research interest in climate, heat and health.
Rural healthcare providers’ attitudes on climate change in NW USA
article
Health research priorities: what matters most to people living in rural Australia?
article
Improving surgical care in rural South Africa
article
2026 Aeromed Conference, 28–30 October 2026, Darwin, Australia
web link
Rural Mental Health Conference 2026, 4–6 November 2026, Gold Coast, Australia
web link
16th National Rural & Remote Allied Health Conference (SARRAH), 9–11 November 2026, Coffs Harbour, Australia
web link
Rural GP Association Scotland (RGPAS) Annual Conference 2026, 20–22 November 2026, Inverness
web link
IAHA Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Conference, 30 November–2 December 2026, Boorloo (Perth), Australia
web link
BC Rural Health Conference, 28–30 May 2027, Victoria, BC, Canada
web link
5th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference, 8–10 June 2027, Larrakia Country, Garramilla (Darwin), Australia
web link
Regional, Rural and Remote Emergency Medicine Conference 2027 (ACEM RRR EM27), 18–20 July 2027, Lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia
web link