Prescript Recruitment

Locum Rural Generalist – Wide Bay, QLD

At Prescript Recruitment, we’re specialists in placing doctors where they’re needed most—and where they’ll thrive.

In partnership with Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, we’re offering locum opportunities for experienced Rural Generalists who are ready for meaningful, well-supported work in some of Queensland’s most underrated and rewarding locations. These roles combine hands-on clinical diversity with the kind of lifestyle flexibility that reminds you why you chose medicine in the first place.

The Position

We’re seeking FACRRMs and FRACGPs with advanced emergency skills for a series of upcoming locum placements across the Wide Bay region. You’ll join a well-supported hospital network where your impact is immediate and your skills are truly valued.

Expect a mix of emergency and inpatient work, supported teams, and varied clinical presentations that stretch your scope and sharpen your skills. Whether you’re stepping back from a permanent role or exploring more flexible ways of working, these roles are designed to offer both challenge and reward.

Where You’ll Be

Just a short flight or half-day drive north of Brisbane, the Wide Bay region offers a mix of coastal and inland communities—think sugarcane fields, country pubs, and warm welcomes from tight-knit towns that genuinely appreciate your presence.

You might find yourself working a few hours from the stunning beaches of Hervey Bay or just inland from the iconic Bundaberg Rum distillery. It’s regional Queensland at its most authentic—relaxed, accessible, and full of opportunity.

Dates Available

We have a range of flexible locum blocks available from April to June 2025. Shifts include a mix of day, night, and on-call work. We’ll tailor the roster to your availability and preferences.

Some of the most in-demand dates are already booking quickly, so if you’re considering a placement in this window, now is the time to enquire.

What We Provide

This is more than a locum placement—it’s a fully supported experience, managed by people who care.

  • Competitive daily rate (available on request)

  • Paid overtime for shifts longer than 12 hours

  • Travel and accommodation booked and paid for

  • Genuine flexibility to fit around your lifestyle

  • Seamless credentialing support from our team

  • Access to a range of rural and coastal facilities within the one health service

We’ll take care of the details, so you can focus on delivering excellent care—and enjoying the downtime between shifts.

What We’re Looking For

  • Fellowship with ACRRM or RACGP

  • Specialist AHPRA registration

  • Recent emergency experience and current ALS

  • Full Australian or New Zealand working rights

You don’t need to have worked in this part of Queensland before—just bring your capability, curiosity, and commitment to making a difference.

What’s Next

If you’re looking for work that feels both purposeful and flexible, this is a great place to start. Let’s talk through the details and see if it’s the right fit.

Elliott Hunter – Recruitment Partner
elliott@prescript.com.au
0451 445 969

Prescript Recruitment
Perfectly Placed for Doctors

We connect doctors to roles that matter—to them, and to the communities they serve.


Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

  1. Call 1300 755 498

  2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

  3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.

Rural Generalist Locum – Step into Impactful Work on the WA Coast

Carnarvon isn’t just a beautiful coastal town in Western Australia—it’s a community that relies on committed Rural Generalists to keep its healthcare services strong and accessible.

We’re working with Carnarvon Hospital to place experienced doctors in key Emergency Department roles. Whether you’re available for a few weeks or exploring future locum options, this is an opportunity to do meaningful work, fully supported by a team that understands what makes regional medicine both challenging and deeply rewarding.

The Position

As a Rural Generalist, you will play a vital role in a busy, well-supported Emergency Department that sees a broad spectrum of presentations. From acute emergencies to mental health and AOD-related cases, you’ll be trusted to make decisions and lead care with confidence.

This is a placement where your versatility, experience, and calm under pressure will make a tangible impact on the community—and be genuinely appreciated.

Shift patterns include:

  • 08:00 to 18:00

  • 10:00 to 20:00

  • 19:00 to 04:00 (with on-call coverage to 08:00)

Dates Available

This locum is available from 3 April to 10 May 2025.

Shorter placements of two weeks or more are welcomed, and expressions of interest are open for doctors who may be available later in 2025. We’ll tailor the opportunity around your availability where possible.

What’s Provided

We offer concierge-level support to ensure every detail is taken care of—from travel to accommodation—so you can focus on delivering care.

  • $2,835 per day

  • Fully furnished accommodation arranged for the duration of your placement

  • Car hire reimbursement up to $100 per day for each rostered shift

  • Credentialing, compliance, and logistics managed by your dedicated Prescript partner.

What We’re Looking For

To be eligible for this role, you will need:

  • AHPRA Specialist Registration

  • Recent Emergency Department experience (within the last 12 months)

  • Confidence working independently, particularly on night shifts

  • Experience across GP, inpatient, and emergency care

  • A genuine interest in regional health and community-based medicine

Why Carnarvon?

Set against a backdrop of banana plantations and dramatic coastline, Carnarvon offers a laid-back lifestyle with a strong community spirit. You’ll be close to Ningaloo Reef, Shark Bay, and some of WA’s best natural landmarks—including the iconic Blowholes.

This is the kind of place where your work has immediate impact—and your days off are something to remember.

Your Next Step

We believe the best results come from placing the right doctor in the right role—and supporting them properly while they’re there.

If you're ready to take on meaningful locum work with full support and zero hassle, get in touch with:

Melissa Houston – Senior Recruitment Partner
Phone: 0415 075 498
Email: mel@prescript.com.au

Or simply apply and we’ll be in touch to guide you through the next steps.


Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

  1. Call 1300 755 498

  2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

  3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.

NSW Coastal Locum | FACEM | April–June 2025

A meaningful locum in a community that needs you – with time to breathe, explore, and bring the family along.

At Prescript, we place doctors in the right roles for the right reasons — roles that support regional communities and give you the lifestyle, support, and flexibility you deserve.

This is an opportunity for FACEMs to join the teams at Batemans Bay and Moruya Hospitals during a critical staffing period. Whether you're available for just a few shifts or several weeks, your presence will help keep vital emergency services running for the communities who rely on them.

We understand what it takes to step into a new environment and make it easy — with concierge-level logistics and full support from the moment you express interest to the day you arrive.

The Position

You’ll work across one or both EDs at Batemans Bay and Moruya Hospitals, two coastal hospitals just 30 minutes apart. Each has its own character but a shared commitment to high-quality care.

Shift times available:

  • 7:00am – 5:00pm

  • 10:00am – 8:00pm

  • 12:00pm – 10:00pm

  • 9:30pm – 7:30am

Rate: $2,500 per day
On-call: None

You can choose a short stint or block-book across multiple weeks — whatever suits your calendar and lifestyle.

Dates Available

We are seeking coverage from April through June 2025.

There’s flexibility to tailor shifts around your availability — from as little as two shifts to week-long blocks or more.

Why This Role Stands Out

  • Impact – Your skills help keep emergency departments running smoothly for regional communities who often face critical staff shortages.

  • Location – Between the beaches, rivers, national parks, and small-town charm, this part of the NSW South Coast is perfect for a working escape.

  • Flexibility – Choose when and how much you work. Fly in and out, or extend into a long weekend by the coast.

  • Ease of Access – Just four hours' drive from Sydney, or 90 minutes from Canberra Airport.

  • Family-Friendly – With local cafes, coastal walks, and wildlife on your doorstep, it’s a brilliant base to bring the family.

  • Variety and Balance – Work across two different hospitals for a bit of variety — or stay at one site, depending on your preference.

What We Require From You

  • FACEM

  • Current AHPRA Specialist Registration

  • A commitment to high-quality, team-based care

How We Support You

Prescript is a dedicated medical recruitment partner specialising in regional Australia. We handle every detail, including travel, accommodation, credentialing, and ongoing support. You’ll have a single point of contact throughout, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience from day one.

We exist to make roles like this easy, meaningful, and worth your time.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to explore a rewarding locum in a picturesque coastal setting — where your presence genuinely matters — reach out to our Emergency Medicine team today.

Melissa Houston – Senior Recruitment Partner
mel@prescript.com.au | 0415 075 498

Elliott Hunter – Recruitment Partner
elliott@prescript.com.au | 0451 445 969


Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

  1. Call 1300 755 498

  2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

  3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.

Weekend GP Locum Work | After-Hours Primary Health Care| Regional Victoria

Be Part of Something That Matters – Weekend GP Locum Work | After-Hours Primary Health Care | $2,200 per day or 90% of Billings

At Prescript, we exist to help solve Australia’s regional doctor shortage—and right now, we’re supporting a new after-hours care initiative funded under the Commonwealth’s General Practice Investment Strategy.

This short-term, high-impact role offers you the chance to deliver essential care in a regional Victorian community while earning exceptional locum rates—all on weekends only.

The Position

We are seeking experienced GPs to provide weekend after-hours care in a welcoming, well-supported health service located in the Goulburn Valley region of northern Victoria.

Set in the town of Kyabram, this community-based hospital is surrounded by orchards and farmland, offering a genuine regional experience just a few hours from Melbourne. The location is easily accessible:

  • 2.5 hours by car from Melbourne

  • Or via train and connecting coach from Southern Cross Station

You’ll be the on-site GP during after-hours, providing walk-in care for patients who need support outside regular clinic times.

Dates Available

  • Every Saturday and Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  • Public holidays also included

  • Commences 7 April 2025

  • Ends 30 June 2025

Work one weekend, several weekends, or the entire term—whatever suits your availability.

What’s On Offer

  • $2,200 per day or 90% of billings—your choice

  • Travel and accommodation fully covered

  • Full support from your dedicated Prescript team

  • Be part of a government-funded program making a real difference in regional healthcare

  • Maintain a flexible schedule with weekend-only work

What We Require From You

You’ll be an ideal fit if you are:

  • A GP with current AHPRA specialist registration

  • Fellowship qualified (RACGP or ACRRM)

  • Comfortable working independently in a regional setting

  • Available for at least one weekend between April and June

This role is well suited to doctors looking for meaningful, flexible work that fits around other commitments—while still making a real impact.

Why Prescript

We focus on regional healthcare, giving doctors first access to rewarding locum, telehealth, and permanent roles that matter. We handle all logistics, paperwork, and onboarding, so you can focus on what you do best. With concierge-level support and strong relationships in every corner of the country, we make sure you’re perfectly placed.

Your Next Steps

To explore this opportunity further, reach out to our team for a confidential conversation:

Melissa Houston – Senior Recruitment Partner
0415 075 498 | mel@prescript.com.au

Elliott Hunter – Recruitment Partner
0451 445 969 | elliott@prescript.com.au

Prescript Recruitment
Perfectly Placed For Doctors


Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

  1. Call 1300 755 498

  2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

  3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.

Rural Generalist Locums in Tropical Far North QLD – Meaningful Impact

Make a Difference in Regional Queensland

Are you an experienced Rural Generalist (with FRACGP or FACRRM and Emergency Medicine skills) looking for a well-paid locum role where you can truly make an impact? Prescript Recruitment specialises in placing doctors in regional communities where their skills are needed most. These high-paying, flexible locum opportunities are located in the tropical far north and agricultural heartlands of Queensland, allowing you to provide essential care while experiencing stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming rural communities.

The Position

We are seeking Rural Generalists to support busy rural hospitals. In these roles, you will manage emergency presentations, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics, helping to sustain vital healthcare services in regional areas.

Dates Available

  • 31 March 2025 – 5 April 2025

  • 3 April 2025 – 4 April 2025

  • 8 April 2025 – 11 April 2025

  • 12 May 2025 – 19 May 2025

  • 9 June 2025 – 16 June 2025

  • 1 April 2025 – 31 May 2025 (Flexible)

Why Take This Locum Role?

This opportunity provides an attractive daily rate, allowing you to maximise your earnings while contributing to rural healthcare. These roles place you in Queensland’s most beautiful regions, where you can experience rich culture, close-knit communities, and outdoor adventure, with the Great Barrier Reef just a short drive away, offering world-class snorkelling, diving, and island getaways. Whether you prefer relaxing by the coast, exploring lush rainforests, or immersing yourself in a vibrant country town, these locations offer it all.

From a clinical perspective, you will gain exposure to a broad range of cases, including trauma, emergency medicine, Indigenous health, and primary care. You will be working in well-supported hospitals with strong clinical teams and advanced facilities.

Getting there is simple. Direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne connect you to a nearby major regional airport, followed by an easy drive through scenic landscapes to your final destination.

About the Locations

These regional communities offer more than just rewarding work – they provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in an enriching lifestyle.

One destination is situated in the heart of a thriving agricultural region, known for its fertile plains, fresh produce, and strong connection to local farming communities. It enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to boutique wineries, coffee plantations, and scenic trails perfect for mountain biking and hiking. The hospital here serves a large rural population, including Indigenous communities, providing diverse and meaningful medical experience.

Another location is nestled between the lush rainforests and the stunning coastline, offering breathtaking views and a relaxed way of life. This region is rich in biodiversity, with national parks, waterfalls, and pristine beaches nearby. The local community is welcoming and multicultural, with excellent local cafes, vibrant markets, and opportunities for adventure activities such as skydiving, white-water rafting, and deep-sea fishing. The hospital is a well-equipped facility providing 24/7 emergency care and a strong support network for locum doctors.

What We Require From You

  • FRACGP or FACRRM

  • Emergency Medicine experience

  • Current AHPRA Specialist Registration

  • A passion for delivering high-quality care in regional communities

Your Next Step

These roles are in high demand, and placements fill quickly. If you are ready to take on a rewarding locum position and experience regional medicine at its best, apply today.

For more information or to apply, contact:

Elliott Hunter – Recruitment Partner 
Email: elliott@prescript.com.au
Phone: 0451 445 969

Prescript Recruitment – Perfectly Placed For Doctors


Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

  1. Call 1300 755 498

  2. Email hello@prescript.com.au

  3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.

International Women’s Day Questions - Dr Sabei Shwe, Consultant Geriatrician

This International Women’s Day 2025, we honor the significant contributions of women in medicine by featuring formidable women like Dr. Sabei Shwe, a Consultant Geriatrician whose commitment to caring for the elderly is profoundly inspiring. These conversations provide us with a deeper understanding of the personal and professional lives of women who are driving change in the medical field.

Join us as we explore the enriching story of Dr. Sabei Shwe, whose dedication to geriatric care highlights the evolving needs of our ageing population and the pivotal role women can play in meeting these challenges within the healthcare system.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine and how did you navigate your journey to becoming a Geriatrician? 

Helping sick people, and particularly the older population, has always been my passion.

I chose medicine because it is science-based, never boring, involves dealing with life and death, is challenging and stressful, yet full of rewarding experiences.

I was specifically drawn to geriatrics because I grew up with my grandparents and realised they needed a multidisciplinary team approach.

With the ageing population growing here in Australia, I knew there would always be a need in this area.

I find it incredibly rewarding to see an elderly person go through rehabilitation and be able to return home.

2. What qualities do you believe are essential for women in medical roles? 

Passion, commitment, and dedication.

It's important to know your own limits, from which you can prioritise and delegate effectively.

Maintaining a work-life balance is essential to preserve your productivity and avoid stress or burnout.

3. What changes would you like to see in the healthcare industry to better support women? 

I would like to see male counterparts supporting women, especially those with young families, by being understanding and supportive when they need to take sick and personal leave.

There needs to be a better understanding of women's lives beyond work.

Flexibility is crucial.

This is particularly important for junior female doctors with young families.

4. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career?

Professor Barbara Walkman, who is now retired, was the Head of Geriatrics at Monash Health. She was very nurturing and mothering, had excellent leadership skills, and was a huge support to females both in and outside of work. She was the reason the Monash Health department was such a friendly environment. Working with her was a great example. 

5. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a role the healthcare industry ? 

Be persistent; there will be barriers and challenges, especially when you have children.

Believe in yourself.

Know your limit so you can have your own time and look after your well-being.

6. What can our male allies do to uplift women and advance equality in the workplace? 

Workshops are highly effective. Monash Health, before COVID, used to run wonderful workshops specifically for women. These workshops covered a variety of topics including leadership, education, tips for balancing work-life balance, communication skills like how to communicate with men across different hierarchies, and skills to change the culture in the workplace. They were composed of experts, doctors, and motivational speakers. She found them very useful and believes they are a great way to support women in the workplace.

Dr. Sabei Shwe's career is a beacon for the necessity of dedicated care for the elderly and the powerful impact of women in specialised medical fields. As we celebrate International Women's Day, her journey is a powerful reminder of the strides we've made and the opportunities that remain in creating a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system.

Get inspired by more stories of incredible women making significant impacts in healthcare. Click the links below to read further interviews and join the conversation.

  • Read Dr Jillian Farmer’s interview here.

  • Read Dr Sidney Chandrasiri’s interview here.

  • Read Dr Noor Ridha’s interview here.

International Women's Day - Dr Jillian Farmer, Rural Generalist and DMS

This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on incredible women in healthcare like Dr Jillian Farmer, a Rural Generalist and Director of Medical Services, whose roots and journey are as inspiring as they are unique. Growing up in Rockhampton and starting her medical career bonded to rural service, Jillian’s path has taken her from regional Australia to the global stage with the UN, and back to her local community.

Explore the compelling narrative of Dr Jillian Farmer, whose dedication to rural health and leadership offers vital insights and encouragement for women aiming to make their mark in the healthcare sector.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Rural Generalist, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on healthcare in rural and remote communities? 

I grew up in Rockhampton, and had a rural bonded scholarship as a medical student.  I had planned to be a rural doctor, but life gets in the way.  I was only 4 weeks out of Med School and I met my now husband, who happens to be a medical researcher who needed the full facilities of the Qld Institute of Medical Research to work.  I did work in regional locations for the duration of my bonded term,  but gave up on the dream as that relationship formalised, and it became clear that going rural would not work at that time in our lives. 

I learned so much during those early years in regional and rural facilities that took me such a long way – including ot my work in the UN, where I could take that understanding of isolated practice, to support the healthcare staff working for the UN in places that many of us in Oz would be unable to find on a map. 

When the chance arose to work in the region I grew up in – it was a no-brainer, and I’ve been so happy to return there.  The community also seem to really like knowing that even though I fly in fly out, my roots were local.   

2. As a leader in healthcare and as DMS, what qualities do you believe are essential for women in this field? 

As is so often the case, there are different expectations of women leaders.  I railed against this for most of my career, but it is what it is.  Women walk a fine line – be assertive, but not too assertive, lest you be labelled aggressive.  Be kind and accommodating, but don’t be a pushover.  Be nice, but not weak.  ARGH - it drives me bonkers.   

I especially noticed this when I returned from the UN< where gender equity is perhaps a little easier because the UN has to work across cultural norms and just state and adhere to what is expected – so gender equity was expected, and was generally delivered. 

To get to the actual question you asked, women leaders need exactly the same qualities as any leaders, and women who can find the courage to be their true self at work do incredibly well. The days when women had to emulate men to get ahead are starting to pass, but I’d encourage women leaders to look at feedback they get through the lens of “Is this actually just telling me to be a man?” – and if it is, maybe don’t do that.  

My greatest leadership successes have come when I unleashed my real self at work, my true values, my true beliefs, my actual vulnerabilities and challenges.  Every leader needs resilience and self awareness – I think women need a slightly stronger bullshit filter so they don’t let the rubbish detraction and microagressions get them down. 

I still regularly get called nurse.   

3. Balancing the demands of rural medicine and family life can be challenging. What changes would you like to see to support women juggling medical careers and parenthood better? 

I’d like it to not be a conversation about women juggling medical careers and parenthood.  It should be about parents of all genders juggling medical careers and parenthood.  When we make the discussion not about women, we’ll be starting to win. 

That’s hard, because Australia still has incredibly gendered social expectations.  That includes child care but also extends to eldercare.  WE need to add our voices to the chorus demanding gender equity across the board, not just more measures focused on women, because that, in my view, just perpetuates and legitimises the inequity.   

4. How can the healthcare industry create more opportunities and support systems for women in leadership roles? 

Ooh – great question.  I’ve just chaired a working group that presented a report (currently out for consultation) on this very issue.  The draft recommendations are:  

  • Develop a national program for measurement and reporting of workforce and leadership diversity in health care. This should:  

  • Establish a baseline by transparently reporting current workforce composition and, at a minimum, examining gender and race (and preferably other aspects of diversity) to measure the diversity of different health profession cadres, along with how well that diversity is reflected across the range of seniority and pay scales. 

  • Collect and report (as currently happens in other countries) data about the diversity of applicant pools for both jobs and training programs, and report on the related diversity of successful applicants.  

  • Amend the Medical Training Survey so that data on race, neurodiversity, disability and more is collected, allowing correlation of these factors with training experience. 

  • Using the data above (preferably, but if not available, using other methods), identify fall-off points in the career development pipeline and provide targeted interventions to diverse employees and enhance their access to career opportunities.  

Address institutionalised drivers of inequality: 

  • Collect and examine data on diversity for temporary promotions or special projects that are filled without a formal recruitment process.  

  • Ensure that there is transparency of methods for funding allocation to leadership activities, so that unconscious bias against diverse leaders does not set them up for failure through inequitable resourcing.  

  • Examine (for each professional grouping) gender and race pay gaps at each appointment level, and identify and address drivers of any gaps (e.g. overtime, inequitable or biased criteria for promotion) 

  • Develop specific strategies to reach and motivate mid-level managers who are critical to creating a truly inclusive leadership pipeline. While top leadership commitment is key, the day-to-day experience of emerging leaders is shaped by their immediate supervisors.  

Re-examine and challenge existing stereotypes of leadership:

  • Implement strengths-based leadership development assessment and training. Current models of deficit-based assessments cause diverse groups to be under-valued by metrics that reinforce historical stereotypes of leadership. 

  • Develop systems and structures to learn from First Nations ways of knowing and being for the benefit of all patient and staff populations.  

  • Implement a variety of leadership models, learning from other cultures, including shared leadership  

  • Implement programs that elevate the perception of diversity as an asset, rather than an issue to be managed. 

Promote and celebrate multilingualism:

  • Leverage the global sourcing of healthcare staff — continuously invite and respect proposals for improvements and economies that are effective and proven in other countries, being sure to guard against unconscious preference for anglosphere or European initiatives.  

  • Create systems and structures that allow employees of diverse perspectives to be valued and be seen to be valued. Encourage diversity of thought.  

5. What advice would you give to women aspiring to become Rural Generalists or pursue careers in other demanding medical fields? 

Maybe don’t marry someone who needs a biohazard 3 laboratory?  (only kidding – my husband has been a rock, and my career would not have existed without the inspiration and encouragement he gave me).  

My biggest and recurring advice to women is to claim the territory, don’t ask for permission.  I get so many women asking me what else they need to do to be “good enough” but I almost  never get asked that by a man, and if I do it’s an IMG.   

IT’s been shown that women don’t apply for jobs if they don’t self-assess as meeting close to 100% of the selection criteria, but men will apply if they meet as little as 60%.  Ironically, the men have historically been appointed more despite that merit gap, but that reflects the bias in selection processes, not the quality of the applicants.  

So – find a job you want, name it out loud and apply.  Defy those who would prefer you didn’t apply…make them uncomfortable if you must but go in to battle for your dream.  You might not get the first, second or third job, but you might also be surprised.  Nobody was more surprised than me when I got the job as UN medical director.   

6. How can all colleagues and leaders be allies in promoting gender equality and supporting women in rural healthcare 

Here I’d like to promote one of my favourite UN programs – He For She – where it specifically outlines the things that allies can do to promote gender equality. 

www.he4she 

I would also like to promote some of the input I got from colleagues during the preparation of the report I mentioned above.  Women tell me that they don’t need more mentors – they need more real opportunities to grow and demonstrate their leadership capability. 

So next time you are thinking of shoulder-tapping someone -and if your finger twitches to the shoulder one of the usual suspects, just stop and think – “Who else could I ask”.  It’s a great question and can lead you to find some amazing talent.  

Dr Jillian Farmer's career is a testament to the impact of sticking true to one's roots and the importance of genuine leadership in healthcare. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Dr Jillian Farmer's story highlights the essential need for enhanced healthcare in rural areas and the influential role women can play in driving these improvements.

Get inspired by more stories of formidable women in healthcare who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

  • Read Dr Sidney Chandrasiri’s interview here.

  • Read Dr Sabei Shwe’s interview here.

  • Read Dr Noor Ridha’s interview here.

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