The conference began in 2021, inspired by Monash University\u2019s Associate Professor Janelle Brennan, who encouraged junior doctors in Victoria\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy delivering DRIVERS 2025 alongside junior doctors and medical students, we\u2019re 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,\u201d reflects Dr Shizar Nahidi, Scientific Committee Co-Chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once underway, the conference welcomed more than 120 delegates\u2014predominantly medical students and junior doctors\u2014into 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2011driven care models. These contributions demonstrated how grassroots research can spark solutions to pressing healthcare issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hands\u2011on 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\u2014clinicians who must balance immediate patient needs with broader contributions to medical knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n
![\"Medical](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/92-refugee-health-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Refugee health in Wagga Wagga <\/a>\r\n\r\n \r\n As a fourth-year medical student, Xanthie Harvey recently had the opportunity to complete a rural general practice (GP) rotation with Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n It\u2019s 4am, and I\u2019ve been awake for 22 hours. My shift started at 2:30pm and the surgeries haven\u2019t stopped all Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n Growing up in rural Queensland instilled in Dr Prue Wallin resilience, compassion, and a deep respect for community\u2014values that shaped Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n Across Australia\u2019s vast landscapes, from outback towns to coastal farming communities, people living with eating disorders face many barriers in Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n ![\"Partyline](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/partyline-image-removed-2tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Making shiftwork healthier: What I wish I knew sooner <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/92-building-a-life-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Building a life, not just a career: Dr Prue Wallin on rural medicine <\/a>\r\n\r\n ![\"Two](\"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/92-eating-disorders-tb-300x300.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Breaking the silence: Tackling eating disorders in rural Australia through the InsideOut GP Hub <\/a>\r\n\r\n