1.8 Stitching Culture: Crafting a Shared Vision for Rural Medical Communities
Tracks
Botanical 4 room
| Thursday, October 23, 2025 |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Botanical 4 room |
Details
Format: Practical workshop (60-minute)
Speaker
Dr Emily Harrison
Board Member
RDAA
Stitching Culture: Crafting a Shared Vision for Rural Medical Communities
10:30 AM - 11:35 AMAbstract Overview
Rural and remote doctors work in some of the most challenging environments in Australia, often facing professional isolation, limited resources, and workforce shortages. These conditions shape the culture of rural medicine—sometimes in ways that can lead to burnout, disconnection, or barriers to innovation.
In this interactive 60-minute workshop, we invite you to take part in a conversation about the current culture of rural and remote medical practice and help shape a shared vision for its future. Through guided facilitation and open discussion, participants will explore the cultural challenges faced by rural healthcare professionals and collaborate on strategies for fostering a more connected, resilient, and inclusive workforce.
To help create an open, reflective space, participants are also invited to take part in hands-on textile crafting activities—such as sewing, crochet, knitting, or adding felt, glitter, or messages of hope. The creative process acts as a leveller, making space for all voices and symbolising the diverse contributions that make up a strong medical community. Crafting is optional, and all skill levels are welcome.
Together, attendees will contribute to a collaborative artwork that will be displayed at the end of the conference—representing the patchwork of people, stories, and ideas that shape the culture we aspire to build.
In this interactive 60-minute workshop, we invite you to take part in a conversation about the current culture of rural and remote medical practice and help shape a shared vision for its future. Through guided facilitation and open discussion, participants will explore the cultural challenges faced by rural healthcare professionals and collaborate on strategies for fostering a more connected, resilient, and inclusive workforce.
To help create an open, reflective space, participants are also invited to take part in hands-on textile crafting activities—such as sewing, crochet, knitting, or adding felt, glitter, or messages of hope. The creative process acts as a leveller, making space for all voices and symbolising the diverse contributions that make up a strong medical community. Crafting is optional, and all skill levels are welcome.
Together, attendees will contribute to a collaborative artwork that will be displayed at the end of the conference—representing the patchwork of people, stories, and ideas that shape the culture we aspire to build.
Biography
Dr Emily Harrison is a second-generation FACRRM living and working in Swan Hill, northwestern Victoria. Her mother, a Rural Generalist in Echuca, inspired her to become a Rural Generalist and join ACRRM.
Emily studied medicine at Deakin University, graduating in 2011. She trained at Bendigo Base Hospital and completed her Emergency Medicine Advance Skill in Bendigo and Echuca. After completing her training in Mansfield, she became an ACRRM Fellow in 2017. Following this, Emily worked as a locum across rural and remote Australia until 2020, when she settled in Swan Hill. There, she worked in the Emergency Department as the Clinical Lead for three years and now works part-time as a Rural Generalist in the Emergency Department and local Headspace.
Emily has been involved in diverse aspects of ACRRM, including as an examiner for StAMPs and REST course instructor. She represents RDAA on the ACRRM council and participates in the Respectful Workplaces Committee and the Emergency Medicine Working Group. She has also contributed to the college by creating HEART, a new course for ACRRM.
Emily has many hobbies, including crafting. She can often be seen crocheting or embroidering during Zoom meetings. She also has a fat Cat named Walter and a new addition, a golden retriever named Winnie, who keeps her busy.
