Sexual misconduct in medicine challenges the safety, trust, and integrity of the profession. In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Professor Louise Stone, a GP and medical educator, about the realities of sexual harassment and abuse within medical workplaces and the cultural and systemic factors that allow them to persist. Professor Stone draws on her extensive research and international collaborations to explain how power, hierarchy, and silence shape these experiences and what meaningful prevention and healing can look like. The discussion explores the importance of leadership, upstanding behaviour, and peer support in creating safer professional environments. This conversation offers an honest and compassionate look at how the medical profession can confront harm within its own ranks and begin to foster genuine cultural change. It also provides valuable perspective for registrars as they navigate complex team dynamics, learn to recognise unsafe behaviours, and develop the confidence to speak up or support colleagues. Wellbeing Support Services 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 13YARN: 13 92 76 Aphra: 1300 419 495 Drs4Drs: 1300 374 377 (1300 DR4 DRS) Bush Support Line (CRANAplus): 1800 805 391 Police (non-emergency): 131 444 For more information and additional resources, visit ACRRM Wellbeing Support: https://www.acrrm.org.au/support/wellbeing/well-being-support

Registrars’ own experiences of trauma can shape how they learn, work, and respond to feedback. In this follow-up episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody continues her conversation with Dr Susan Tyler-Freer, exploring how trauma-informed care principles apply to medical education and the registrar training journey. Dr Tyler-Freer unpacks how developmental trauma and neurodiversity can influence learning style, clinical reasoning, emotional resilience, and communication. She explains how understanding ACEs within the registrar population can improve feedback, reduce harm, and support professional identity development. The episode also makes a compelling case for clinical supervision as an essential support for registrars and educators to process the emotional toll of rural generalist practice. This discussion offers powerful insights for registrars and those who teach or supervise them, highlighting how to create safer, more supportive learning environments throughout training.

How can rural doctors provide compassionate, effective care for patients living with trauma? In this episode of Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Susan Tyler-Freer, Rural Generalist and medical educator, about applying a trauma-informed lens to everyday clinical care.  Drawing on her experience in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Dr Tyler-Freer explains how understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can help rural doctors interpret symptoms more accurately, avoid assumptions, and build stronger therapeutic relationships. She highlights how trauma shapes language and patient behaviour, and urges doctors to stay curious and “unpack” what their patients are really saying.  This episode is essential listening for registrars and Rural Generalists navigating the complexities of care, where trauma is more common than we often realise. It offers practical strategies for safer communication and reminds us that trauma-informed care is not just about what we know, it is about how we listen, interpret and relate. 

How do doctors look after their own health while caring for their patients? In this episode of ACRRM Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Roger Sexton, rural GP and Medical Director of Doctors’ Health SA, about the importance of seeking support during personal or professional health crises. With over 35 years of experience in rural practice and doctors’ health advocacy, Dr Sexton explores the unique barriers doctors face when accessing care, including stigma, confidentiality concerns, and professional expectations. He also reflects on the cultural shifts that are changing how the profession understands and supports doctors’ well-being. The conversation highlights the critical link between doctors' health and patient safety, the evolving support systems available to rural clinicians, and the importance of showing up to work ‘in good shape’. A must-listen for registrars and early-career rural generalists navigating life and work in remote settings, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical strategies for staying healthy and thriving in practice. Well-being Support Services Doctors' Health SA: (08) 8366 0250 Doctors' Health NSW: (02) 9437 6552 Doctors' Health QLD: (07) 3833 4352 Doctors' Health NT: 08 8366 0250 (via SA service) Doctors' Health Advisory Service WA (DHASWA): (08) 9321 3098 Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP): 1300 330 543 Drs4Drs (National): 1300 374 377 (1300 DR4 DRS) Bush Support Line (CRANAplus): 1800 805 391 For more information and additional resources, visit ACRRM Wellbeing Support: https://www.acrrm.org.au/support/wellbeing/well-being-support

How do case-based discussions (CBD) help registrars develop clinical reasoning and prepare for Fellowship? In this episode of ACRRM Life Hacks, Dr. Emily Moody speaks with Dr. James Fraser, ACRRM’s Director of Assessment, to explore the purpose, process, and preparation behind this essential assessment. James, an experienced clinician and educator with expertise in rural generalist medicine, provides a deep dive into CBD. He explains how this assessment evaluates registrars' clinical reasoning and decision-making using real patient cases. From selecting cases to managing the de-identification process, James offers practical advice and insights to support registrars' success. Emily and James also discuss how CBD fits within ACRRM’s programmatic learning approach, its connection with other assessments like STAMPS and mini-CEX, and the role of feedback in shaping better doctors. Whether you're preparing for CBD or simply curious about its role in training, this episode offers valuable insights for registrars at any stage. Tune in to discover how CBD promotes critical thinking, refines professional skills, and supports lifelong learning.

What does it take to become a leader in rural medicine? In this episode of ACRRM Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody sits down with Associate Professor Dan Halliday — the 100th registrar to train for Fellowship with ACRRM and a former College President. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Dan shares his journey from growing up on a sheep and cattle farm in Tenterfield to becoming a rural generalist obstetrician and a leader in rural healthcare.  Dan reflects on the pivotal moments and mentors that shaped his career, the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities, and the lessons learned in balancing leadership, advocacy, and clinical practice. He also discusses the challenges of transitioning to college-led training and the recognition of rural generalist medicine as a specialty.  This episode offers inspiring insights for anyone passionate about rural medicine or considering a leadership or advocacy role in healthcare. Tune in to hear Dan’s advice on stepping up, embracing challenges, and driving meaningful change in rural and remote communities.

In small communities, the line between personal and professional life can get blurry—so how do rural doctors manage professional boundaries? In this episode of ACRRM Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Professor Turun Sen Gupta, Acting Dean and Academic Head of Medicine at JCU, about the challenges of maintaining boundaries in rural and remote practice. With 30 years of experience in medical education, Professor Sen Gupta explores what boundaries are and the distinction between boundary crossings and violations. They also discuss which boundaries are flexible versus absolute and the challenges of managing dual relationships in rural settings. This conversation is especially valuable for anyone beginning their career in rural and remote healthcare, offering key insights and practical strategies for managing professional boundaries in these unique contexts.

Join Dr Emily Moody and Professor Lucie Walters in the latest episode of RG Life Hacks. Emily and Lucie speak about the diverse nature of communities and the privilege of being rural generalist doctor in community. Themes like humility, reputation identity and the role of ACRRM are all discussed.    Lucie is passionate about improving the health outcomes of rural people through the education, training, and professional support of rural doctors. She is also a past President of the Australian College or Rural and Remote Medicine. Lucie talks about her career as a rural generalist and an academic and explores the multitude of career pathways that are available to fellows. She speaks about academic medicine, university opportunities and the role further study in a doctor’s career.

Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Tim Leeuwenburg, a career rural generalist and FACRRM who works on the remote Kangaroo Island in South Australia. In this podcast, Tim shares stories from his career. He emphasises the importance of being prepared as a rural generalist for the multitude of situations in which they will encounter. Tim also speaks about vulnerability, being connected with a support network and understanding how to support others. Discussed in this podcast: Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) - ACRRM Sandpiper Australia – Supporting Pre-Hospital Care in Rural Australia

Have you ever struggled to talk easily about sexual health with your patients? In this episode, Dr Emily Moody speaks to Dr Matt Ruhl about his career as a rural generalist with an impressive career in sexual and mental health care. He shares his experience about things you can do to help patients feel comfortable enough to open up and share their concerns. We also talk about the burgeoning rates of certain STIs, and how doctors can boost screening rates by ‘value-adding’ when patients come in for other tests. Listen into this episode for some excellent practical tips and general principles for sexual health consultations.

In the second part of our interview with Dr James Best, Emily and James talk about practical ways to engage neurodivergent children and their carers in a primary care environment. James offers suggestions on how to make a safe space and how to engage with the children in a respectful and non-threatening way. James and Emily also discuss a variety of current issues in raising children, such a screen-time, prescription of drugs and behaviour management.

In this first part of our two-part discussion with Dr James Best, we explore the important role primary care clinicians play in treating neurodivergent children. James highlights the value of taking a holistic view of both the family and the child’s environment. He also explains how forming a genuine partnership with parents or carers is central to treatment — a relationship that must be managed with care and empathy. References:  Autism: Raising children network Raising Children Network Autism Awareness Australia - Empowering autism families Books on Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Awareness Australia Autism Spectrum Disorder and Diagnosis Australia | Autismwhatnext ADHD: Home - ADHD Australia Homepage - Circle of Security International Circle of Security (CoS) | Australian Institute of Family Studies (aifs.gov.au)

Join Dr Emily Moody as she talks with Dr Angela Stratton and Dr Lisa White about consultation skills and dealing with difficult situations. They will share their experiences as rural generalists and provide insights into how you can improve your own practice. The conversation will cover topics such as difficult consultations, consultation styles, communication, and patient centered care. 

In Part 2, Dr Emily Moody interviews Carolyn Becker and Deb Robins, who have extensive experience as advocates and consumers of health services in rural and remote Australia. Carolyn and Deb share personal stories of rural generalists that have made a difference in their lives. They offer insights into how doctors can become patient centred in their care and tips on how to become a part of community. Deb and Carly mention several organisations in the interview. Links to these can be found here: Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation: SOS Are You Bogged Mate? Supporting Aussie Farmers & Their Communities - Drought Angels Home - Rural Aid - Supporting Rural Communities

In the first of this two-part RG Life Hacks podcast, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Carolyn Becker and Deb Robins, who bring extensive experience as both advocates and consumers of health services in rural and remote Australia. They share personal stories and challenge rural generalists to adopt a holistic view of their patients, taking time to understand each individual’s unique circumstances. This insightful conversation offers a rare perspective from the other side of the consultation desk — the consumers.

Rural Generalists are such an important part of any rural and remote community. It is a challenging role that will give you fulfillment, both personally and professionally. In part 2 of this podcast, Dr Emily Moody continues with her interview of Anne Chater and Sandra Corfield. Emily, Anne and Sandra highlight the wonderful opportunities that exist in rural medicine. A sense of belonging, being part of community, professional growth and clinical courage are all explored in this fascinating interview. Emily, Anne and Sandra also discuss what a rich environment a rural community is for families, couples and singles.

In this edition, Dr Emily Moody interviews:  Anne Chater, who established Theodore Medical with her husband Prof Alan Bruce Chater in 1981, and is currently the Operations and Finance Manager of the practice. Anne talks about the incredible opportunities available in rural Practice and how to integrate both yourself and your family into a community.  Sandra Corfield, who has been the CEO of the Central Queensland Rural Division of General Practice and then Rural Health Management Services, which works to support members, develop primary care infrastructure and currently manages fourteen general practices. Sandra has been described as having an encyclopaedic knowledge of rural and remote Queensland matters especially, and Queensland health matters generally.  Sandra shares motivating stories about the incredible value the rural GP’s add to the fabric of communities.   Both these ladies have inspirational stories and anyone looking to work in rural or remote communities should listen in. As Anne says "I want to do it all again!"

In our latest Life Hacks podcast, Dr Emily Moody talks with Dr Coralie Endean (National Lead Medical Educator – Supervisor Support) to discuss the importance of a supervisor in the fellowship program. Coralie discusses the way supervisors guided her in her early career and how registrars can make the most of their supervisors while on the road to fellowship. Emily and Coralie encourage you to make the most of the opportunity you have available with your supervisor. 

In this podcast, Dr Emily Moody talks to Dr Greg Gladman, ACRRM's Director of Training, and discusses the pathway to a rural generalist fellowship at ACRRM. He talks about his own journey and highlights the exciting opportunities and careers that wait for new rural generalist fellows. 

This is the second podcast with Dr Emily Moody and Dr Trevor Burchall. This podcast talks about the signs of burnout and what you can do as a rural generalist to ensure that you do not experience this in your career.  References: Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ Dancing With The Black Dog https://www.dancingwiththeblackdog.com/ MIGA https://www.miga.com.au/education/doctors-health Members experiencing workplace, training, exam, or other stresses or issues impacting your personal wellbeing can call ACRRM's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free. Call 1800 818 728 to receive immediate and confidential phone counselling support 24/7 in Australia and overseas. Wellbeing (acrrm.org.au) ACRRM RG Foundation Skills: Self-care and wellbeing: Event details - ACRRM