Advancing rural health

Senior lecturer at Monash's Centre for Rural Health Dr Lexia Bryant was elected president of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) at its recent annual general meeting.

Dr Bryant, a staunch advocate for rural health, said her major goal as president of the ACRRM was to help it become the college for accreditation and education for those practising rural health. She also hopes to encourage more medical students to consider a career in this field.

Dr Bryant chaired the Women in Rural Practice group that contributed to the development of the prospectus for ACRRM. This role led to her initial membership on the college board.

"The Women in Rural Practice Policy is one of the college's defining characteristics. It ensures that women contribute equitably to decision-making within the college," she said.

As president of ACRRM, Dr Bryant will develop standards and curriculum for rural doctors. At Monash she is involved in developments in the new undergraduate medical curriculum and believes both organisations will benefit from the overlap.

According to dean of Medicine Professor Nick Saunders, Dr Bryant's election reflects her commitment and high standing in the profession.

"It also reflects the leading role that Monash's Centre for Rural Health has taken, and continues to take, in education, research and advocacy for rural medicine and rural health," he said.