RG Life Hacks

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Lara Wieland, Rural Generalist, medical educator and humanitarian doctor, about how Rural Generalist skills can translate beyond borders to humanitarian work in Ukraine.

The conversation explores what healthcare delivery looks like in war-affected communities, where damaged infrastructure, disrupted services, displacement and ongoing uncertainty exist alongside the everyday demands of chronic disease, antenatal care, mental health, paediatrics and palliative care.

Drawing on decades of experience in rural and remote Indigenous communities in Australia, Lara reflects on the adaptability, broad clinical judgement and practical problem-solving required to work safely with limited resources. She also discusses the importance of humility, listening to local clinicians and communities, and being genuinely useful rather than seeking dramatic or heroic roles.

This episode is essential listening for registrars interested in humanitarian medicine and how Rural Generalist skills can support communities beyond Australia.

 

Key resources

Only Passing Through Ukraine: https://www.passingthrough.net/ 

 

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Amandeep Hansra, GP and Chief Clinical Adviser at the Australian Digital Health Agency, about artificial intelligence in general practice and whether it represents a threat, a tool, or something in between for Rural Generalists.

The conversation explores how AI is already being used in clinical practice, from ambient scribing and referral letters to patient education, evidence searching, recall systems, and back-office administration. Amandeep discusses the potential for AI to support registrars in broad-scope rural practice, while reflecting on diagnostic uncertainty and clinical judgement.

The episode also unpacks the practical and professional responsibilities that come with using AI, including the importance of protecting patient privacy, checking outputs against Australian clinical guidelines, avoiding over-reliance in high-risk situations, and maintaining clinical reasoning, procedural skills, and therapeutic relationships.

This episode is essential listening for registrars who are curious about AI, want to understand its opportunities and limitations, and are looking for practical ways to use emerging technology safely while preserving the core skills of Rural Generalist practice.

 

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Associate Professor Bill Nimo (emergency medicine and retrieval specialist), Dr Kirsty Devine (neonatologist and neonatal transport specialist), and Dr Marian Dover (Rural Generalist with advanced obstetric skills) about working effectively with retrieval services in rural and remote medicine.

The conversation explores when to call for help, why early contact matters, and how retrieval teams can support registrars through high pressure situations, both clinically and cognitively. They share practical tips on structuring calls, leading with key clinical information, and clearly communicating local context, resources, and limitations.

The episode also highlights the realities of the “tyranny of distance”, the logistics behind retrieval coordination, and the value of having experienced clinicians available for guidance, reassurance, and real time support via phone or video.

This episode is essential listening for registrars who want to build confidence working with retrieval services and managing emergencies in rural and remote settings.

 

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Owen Bradfield, dual-qualified medical practitioner and health lawyer, and Dr Vinuri Hapuhinne, ACRRM registrar, about the use of AI scribing software in general practice and what registrars need to understand before making it part of routine clinical work.

Owen and Vinuri explore how AI scribes are being used in community general practice, and why many registrars and supervisors see them as a valuable tool for reducing administrative burden, improving workflow, and creating more space for patient-centred consultations. Vinuri reflects on her experience using an AI scribe from her first day in practice, describing how it helped her manage cognitive load, maintain eye contact, and build rapport while supporting her documentation.

The conversation also unpacks key medico-legal and practical issues registrars need to consider, including patient consent, privacy, surveillance devices laws, data storage, and the importance of carefully reviewing every generated note. It highlights the need to approach AI scribes as a support tool, while maintaining responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the medical record.

This episode is essential listening for registrars who are curious about using AI scribes in general practice, want to understand the responsibilities involved, and are looking for practical ways to use new technology safely in their day-to-day clinical work.

 

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Ebonney van der Meer, Rural Generalist, GP psychotherapist, clinical art therapist, and ACRRM Fellow with Advanced Skills Training (AST) in Mental Health, about what the Mental Health AST really looks like in practice.

Ebonney explains how mental health skills strengthen everyday general practice, from building therapeutic relationships and supporting patients through trauma to managing risk, documentation, and complex presentations where physical and psychological health intersect. She shares practical approaches to helping patients feel safe enough to open up, pace difficult conversations over time, and walk alongside patients towards recovery as they define it.

For registrars considering their AST options, Ebonney offers honest reflections on training, supervision, scope of practice, and the flexibility the Mental Health AST provides. She also speaks candidly about the emotional realities of the work and the importance of boundaries, supervision, and team support in sustaining a long career in rural medicine.

This episode is essential listening for registrars who are curious about the Mental Health AST, want greater confidence managing mental health presentations in general practice, and are looking to build a meaningful, sustainable Rural Generalist career while holding space for patients and themselves.

 

Wellbeing 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: 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

 

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.