Rural Health West

12/06/2026

For Dr Joshua Jones, his Community Residency Program (CRP) rotation in Karratha provided a unique experience to expand his skillset.

From emergency department shifts to outpatient clinics and exploring the Pilbara, Joshua shares what made his experience so rewarding.

Read more: bit.ly/4rLhBMM

11/06/2026

When was the last time you checked your poo?

Rural Health West is proud to support Bowel Cancer Australia for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

It's important to know the signs and symptoms, including blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits and extreme tiredness.

Don't delay talking to your GP today.

Bowel cancer affects men and women of all ages.

Know the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer:

Blood in your poo.
Obvious change in your bowel habit (Such as looser, more diarrhoea-like poo, constipation, or going to the toilet more often, or trying to go – irregularity in someone whose bowel habits have previously been regular. A change in shape or appearance of your poo, for example, narrower poos than usual or mucus in poo).
Weight loss you can’t explain.
Extreme tiredness for no reason.
Lump or swelling in your abdomen.

Not everyone experiences symptoms, particularly in the early stages of bowel cancer.

Don’t delay in talking to your GP if you are experiencing any of the described symptoms for two weeks or more, because when diagnosed early almost 99 percent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated.

Blood in your poo or re**al bleeding is not normal and should never be ignored.

For a full list of possible bowel cancer signs and symptoms for adults of all ages visit bowelcanceraustralia.org/symptoms

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Please like and share this post with your family, friends and networks to help save lives.

10/06/2026

📣 Calling all regional & rural allied health employers!

The Allied Health Careers Expo 2026 is coming and we want YOU at the table.

Join us at Curtin Stadium on Thursday 23 July (4:00–7:30PM) to connect directly with final-year Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Physiotherapy students who are ready to launch their careers.

Last year's event drew 250+ students and 40+ employers. Don't miss your chance to showcase regional and rural practice as an exciting, rewarding career destination.

🍽️ Light dinner and refreshments provided.

This event is brought to you by Rural Health West in partnership with Curtin University.

📧 Express your interest: [email protected]

09/06/2026

Rural Health West would like to congratulate the following individuals who received honours this week.

Rural Health West Board Chair Gary Smith was named Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the King's Birthday Honours. His significant service to the Indigenous community of Western Australia and to education is at the forefront of this honour.

Dr Shane Sondergeld, Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Dr Sondergeld co-founded the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in 1997.

Mechelle Turvey, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Mechelle is a Western Australian Indigenous advocate and anti-violence campaigner.

08/06/2026

Rural Health West has some exciting news to share! 🥳

The new Health Professionals Networks (HPN) website is live! Stay connected, keep up to date with exciting events, and join your local network all from one place.

Each network offers a range of opportunities to unite professionals and their families. From sundowners and peer support to CPD activities and training sessions; there’s something for everyone.

Check out the new site here: https://hpnwa.com.au/.

05/06/2026

Here at Rural Health West, we're proud to support Doctors Health Advisory Service Western Australia - dhaswa by donning our craziest socks!

Crazy Socks 4 Docs reminds us to check in with the doctors and medical students in our lives.

Wear wacky socks this June, check in with a colleague and take doctors' health seriously all year round.

Sometimes the smallest thing can start an important conversation.

Crazy Socks 4 Docs is a reminder to look beyond the polished professional exterior and check in with the doctors and medical students around us.

Medicine can make it easy to keep going, stay composed and say “I’m fine” when things are far from fine. A pair of bright socks will not fix that, but it can create a moment to ask a better question, start a real conversation, or remind someone they are not alone.

This June, wear your crazy socks, check in with a colleague, and take doctors’ health seriously all year round.

04/06/2026

It's fantastic to see Dr Richard Taylor being recognised by Medical Forum WA.

Dr Taylor walked away as GP of the Year at the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards 2026 held in March.

Rural Health West sat down with Dr Taylor to discuss his dedication to serving the Geraldton and Midwest communities. A link to video is here: https://ruralhealthwest.com.au/2026-rural-health-excellence-awards-gp-of-the-year-finalists-and-winner/

Dr Richard Taylor was recently named GP of the Year at the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

03/06/2026

Register now for an engaging webinar with Rural Health West.

Hosted by Dr Richard Taylor (RACGP representative on the Health Advisory Working Group for Fi****ms Health Assessment) and Dr Mariam Bahemia (RACGP WA Council member), this webinar will provide an important update on recent developments to the fi****ms health assessment and the resulting obligations of health practitioners.

This session aims to support informed decision-making and enhance consistency in practice among rural and remote GPs. The hosts will provide their own experience and advice, walk you through potential cases, and communicate details of the firearm application process.

When: Thursday 9 July | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Register here: cbc678c6-1d52-4d62-bc57-1eb05e33d2c1@f9ece9aa-c3b2-45ed-ba1d-acd27c1dc135" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cbc678c6-1d52-4d62-bc57-1eb05e33d2c1@f9ece9aa-c3b2-45ed-ba1d-acd27c1dc135

02/06/2026

Rural Health West’s Rural and Remote Retrieval (RRR) Weekend in Karijini National Park was a smash hit.

The immersive training experience saw six junior doctors, who also attended the Junior Doctor Pilbara Immersion Program, 11 doctors/medical practitioners, two mine site Emergency Response Personnel and one paramedic, respond to emergency scenarios in rugged, real-world conditions.

They faced one simulated mass trauma event, one medical emergency scenario, four gorges, three days of education and a quiz night!

"The course was awesome, lots of learning and lots of fun. It can be hard asking for help but the team were approachable and caring. Thank you so much," one participant said.

29/05/2026

Student and JMO (PGY 1-4) Funding Applications are closing soon

Students and Junior Medical Officers (JMO) Post-Graduate Years 1-4 with current financial AIDA memberships to attend the AIDA 2026 Conference on Whadjuk Country.

To be eligible for full conference funding, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
• Be an AIDA member and have maintained financial membership for a minimum of 12 months prior to receiving funding. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for members with less than 12 months’ membership.
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander medical student enrolled in an accredited Australian medical program.
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander doctor PGY 1-4 not on a specialist training program.

Find out more:

We are delighted to provide funded opportunities for students and Junior Medical Officers (JMO) Post-Graduate Years 1-4 with current financial AIDA memberships to attend the AIDA 2026 Conference on Whadjuk Country.