New Rural Health chief steps into role

ASSOCIATE Professor Ruth Stewart will replace Emeritus Professor Paul Worley who, as Australia’s inaugural National Rural Health Commissioner, has been in the role since 2017.

“Associate Prof Stewart is a highly experienced and committed rural doctor,” RDAA President, Dr John Hall, said.

Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton said Associate Professor Stewart has had a distinguished career in rural health, both as a practitioner and an academic, most recently working as an Associate Professor of Rural Medicine, Director of Rural Clinical Training and Support at James Cook University.

“Under Associate Professor Stewart’s leadership, the Office will take a broader approach to rural health and will help deliver the Government’s key reforms and targeted rural health priorities to support practical change for communities,” Minister Coulton said.