AI vs the Rural Generalist: Threat or Tool?

AI vs the Rural Generalist: Threat or Tool?

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.

Working with Retrieval Services: Tips for Rural Registrars

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.

Using AI Scribing Software in General Practice

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.

Holding Space in Rural Practice: The Mental Health AST

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 [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.

Caring for Veterans in General Practice

Veterans and their families often present to general practice carrying the long-term impacts of military service, transition to civilian life, and complex interactions with healthcare systems. In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr David Leaf and Dr Andrew Clarke, both veterans and Rural Generalists, about how doctors and registrars can provide culturally safe, practical, and effective care for veteran patients. David and Andrew draw on their own experiences of military service to explain how veterans approach healthcare, what respectful listening looks like in practice, and why simple, open questions such as “Have you ever served?” and “Tell me about your service” matter. They explore the “sheer cliff” of leaving Defence, the loss of community and psychosocial supports, and how this transition can amplify moral injury, trauma, and distress, sometimes years after discharge. For registrars, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance on taking an ADF history, avoiding common pitfalls, and recognising the role of partners and families in help-seeking and recovery. The discussion also outlines key referral pathways and supports, including Open Arms, DVA training resources, and navigating DVA cards and access to treatment in rural settings. This episode is essential listening for registrars who want to better identify veterans in their patient population, build rapport with confidence and cultural sensitivity, and connect veterans and their families to the supports they’re entitled to.   Key resources for supporting veterans: * Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA): https://www.dva.gov.au/ [https://www.dva.gov.au/]  * Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling: https://www.openarms.gov.au/ [https://www.openarms.gov.au/]  * Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT): https://www.dva.gov.au/access-benefits/compensation-claims/get-treatment-while-you-wait-claim-pamt [https://www.dva.gov.au/access-benefits/compensation-claims/get-treatment-while-you-wait-claim-pamt] * The Veterans’ & Families’ Centre: https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/ [https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/]    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.