Back Row L to R: Margaret Deerain, Dr Jo Risk, Leanne Wells, Blake Macdonald, Camilla Rowland, Joe Hooper, Dr Louis Christie, Raylene Cox, Gareth Boylan, Josh Fear, Dr Christine Sanderson, Dr Ruth Stewart, Prof Martin Veysey, Prof Mark Boughey, Ian Bell.

The RRIPM project is making great strides towards the establishment of a virtual Rural and Remote Specialist Palliative Medicine training network across Australia. The approach

• is based on the RACP competency-based training curriculum
• offers a full range of high-quality training experiences in predominately rural locations
• supports better access and positive rural and remote training experiences.

In February 2024, thought leaders from across Australia participated in the first RRIPM reference group workshop. The round table discussion explored the practicalities and linkages of establishing a rural medical specialist training pathway. Participants generously shared their personal stories and clinical expertise to mud map a way forward delivering five key recommendations. The RRIPM team has been busy turning these recommendations into solid plans for action.

Now, heralding the upcoming release of the RRIPM Roadmap 2025-2028 Dr Christine Sanderson, ANZSPM councillor and RRIPM clinical lead, says ‘we have a clear plan which will deliver real value for rural communities, and we’re excited to share it.’ Reflecting on steering group sentiment, Jo Risk, RRIPM project manager comments ‘the level of interest in this work is really encouraging – particularly now as we begin doorknocking to secure the funding needed to make it a reality’.

A sneak peek reveals that according to economic modelling, RRIPM has the potential to double the number of palliative medicine specialists working in rural communities by 2035 –and that is a huge return on investment for everyone. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for the Roadmap release and in the meantime, if you would like to know more, contact the team at rripmproject@anzspm.org.au