Part 2 – Trauma-Informed Approaches in Medical Education
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.
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Part 1 – Trauma-Informed Care in Rural General Practice
How can rural doctors provide compassionate, effective care for patients living with trauma? In this episode of RG 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.
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Seeking Support During Your Own Personal or Professional Health Crises
How do doctors look after their own health while caring for their patients? In this episode of RG 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
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CBD Assessment
How do case-based discussions (CBD) help registrars develop clinical reasoning and prepare for Fellowship? In this episode of RG 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.
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Leadership and Advocacy: Lessons from Dan Halliday
What does it take to become a leader in rural medicine? In this episode of RG 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.
The ACRRM podcast RG Life Hacks is a series exploring key topics that support registrars beyond the Rural Generalist Curriculum. Episodes cover areas such as settling into rural practice, medico-legal issues, self-care, and long-term professional sustainability.
You can listen to RG Life Hacks via the podcast webpage or on your favourite podcast platform. New episodes are added throughout the year, so be sure to subscribe to stay up to date.
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