Header image

15.1 First on Scene, First to Lead: Clinical Leadership for aspiring Rural Generalists

Tracks
Crown Ballroom 1 & 2
Friday, October 24, 2025
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Crown Ballroom 1 & 2

Details

Format: Practical workshop (90-minute)


Speaker

Adj A/Prof Shannon Nott
Chief Medical Officer
Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern)

First on Scene, First to Lead: Clinical Leadership for aspiring Rural Generalists

3:45 PM - 5:25 PM

Abstract Overview

Rural Generalists are often first on scene, both from a clinical and systems perspective. Whether managing critical incidents, coordinating teams, or advocating for better services, leadership is central to the role. This interactive workshop is designed for students, junior doctors, and registrars preparing for careers in rural medicine. It explores the foundations of clinical leadership as well as the broader capacity to influence innovation and system improvement in rural healthcare.

Participants will engage with key psychological and behavioural theories—such as dual-process thinking, emotional intelligence, and human factors science—to build greater insight into how effective leaders think, decide, and communicate under pressure. The workshop also introduces practical leadership frameworks and models, enabling participants to navigate complexity and lead effectively.

In addition to exploring how to lead safe and effective clinical care, the session will highlight strategies to contribute to quality improvement, drive change, and influence up, down and across systems.

Delegates will leave with:
- A clear understanding of leadership expectations in rural clinical contexts
- Tools to influence positive change and improve safety and quality
- Practical ideas for continuing their own leadership journey, including a greater knowledge of the Australian Health LEADS framework and its applicability to rural health

Biography

Dr Shannon Nott is an experienced Rural Generalist, health executive, former Churchill Fellow, and nationally recognised leader in digital health, workforce, and rural health system innovation. He is Chief Medical Officer for RFDS (South Eastern Section), a Non-Executive Director of ACRRM, and Medical Advisor to the NSW Rural Doctors Network. Clinically, Shannon works as a RG VMO in anaesthesia/emergency and continues to practise in pre-hospital medicine, remote health, and primary care. He also holds multiple Adjunct Associate Professor roles across the university sector in rural health, digital health, and future health systems. Shannon has led the development of nationally recognised virtual care models and served as Clinical Director of the Virtual Care Accelerator for NSW Health, leading the state’s virtual care response during COVID-19. He advises government and health services on digital health strategy and is listed as a digital health expert with the World Health Organization.
loading