One third of Australians live in rural, regional, and remote areas. Delivering quality health education, research, and services to these communities is essential—and that’s where DRIVERS comes in.
DRIVERS, short for Doctors for Regional Innovation, Vision, Excellence, Research & Scholarship, is a rural health research conference designed and run by medical students and junior doctors. It promotes research excellence, leadership, collaboration, and networking among the next generation of health professionals.
The conference began in 2021, inspired by Monash University’s Associate Professor Janelle Brennan, who encouraged junior doctors in Victoria’s Loddon Mallee region to lead a scientific conference from start to finish. After four successful years in Bendigo, DRIVERS arrived in Gippsland for the first time this year. Overseen by the Gippsland Regional Training Hub, the event carried a sense of pride and possibility, staying true to its vision of being created by junior doctors, for junior doctors. A dedicated steering and scientific committee – composed entirely of junior doctors and medical students – played a central role in shaping the program and bringing the conference to life.
“By delivering DRIVERS 2025 alongside junior doctors and medical students, we’re not only contributing to meaningful progress in rural health research, but also growing our leadership, networking, and communication skills. This journey has been genuinely empowering, giving me the confidence and motivation to embrace the unique challenges of rural healthcare with creativity and optimism,” reflects Dr Shizar Nahidi, Scientific Committee Co-Chair.
Once underway, the conference welcomed more than 120 delegates—predominantly medical students and junior doctors—into a program rich with keynotes, workshops, and discussions. Dr Derk Pol, Director of Cardiology at Latrobe Regional Health, spoke passionately about expanding cardiac services in rural areas. His vision highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of delivering specialist care outside metropolitan centres.
Dr Simon Judkins, President of AMA Victoria and Director of Emergency Medicine at Echuca Regional Health, followed with reflections on his career. He emphasised the importance of workplace culture and teamwork, lessons that resonated strongly with delegates who understood the pressures experienced in rural health settings.
A particularly moving moment came when Associate Professor Bruce Waxman OAM honoured Flying Officer John Clifford Peel, whose legacy inspired the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Delegates then experienced the RFDS training simulator, gaining insight into the realities of providing care across vast distances. It was a reminder that rural health is not just about clinics and wards, but service back to our community.
The academic program was especially impressive. Of 86 abstracts submitted, 40 were selected for oral and poster presentations. Junior doctors and medical students shared their research on aged care, oncology services, cultural safety in medical education, digital health, regional medical training and more. Many explored clinical impacts and management challenges unique to rural settings, while others highlighted community‑driven care models. These contributions demonstrated how grassroots research can spark solutions to pressing healthcare issues.
Hands‑on workshops gave delegates practical experience. The Rural Obstetrics & Paediatrics session focused on newborn ventilation techniques and recognising respiratory distress, while the Research Foundations workshop explored strategies to improve research quality and underscored the value of mentorship. Together, they reinforced the versatility required of rural health professionals—clinicians who must balance immediate patient needs with broader contributions to medical knowledge.
By the close of DRIVERS 2025, the impact was clear. Delegates left with new skills, stronger networks, and a sense of belonging to a movement larger than themselves. For Monash Rural Health, hosting the conference in Gippsland was a milestone. For delegates, it was a reminder that rural health is defined not only by its challenges but also by its opportunities.
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