'Surfing the coastal wave' – a new way to consider workforce distribution

Prof Jenny May

qualifications: AM B.Med PhD FACRRM FRACGP

position: Director University of Newcastle, Department of Rural Health

Australia

Assoc Prof Matthew McGrail

qualifications: PhD

position: Senior Research Fellow

Prof Judi Walker

qualifications: PhD

position: Principal Co-Investigator Hazelwood Long Term Health Study

Australia

Professor Judi Walker holds the inaugural Chair of Rural Health at the University of Tasmania, recognising the significant contribution she has made to the development of academic rural health in Australia. Her background and achievements exemplify the interdisciplinary and multiprofessional nature of rural health. Judi has overall responsibility for the Faculty of Health Science's rural health portfolio. She is Chief Executive of the University's Rural Clinical School - a conjoint appointment with the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services. Judi has an international reputation for practice and research in rural medical/health professional education, interdisciplinary education,innovation in health service delivery and education and training for health workforce reform. She leads a research team looking at health care models and policy approaches for rural older people. Judi has a longstanding engagement with paramedic education and is a member of the national Ambulance Education Council. In 2005 she completed a significant consultancy for the Council of Ambulance Authorities and developed Australia's national accreditation system for university paramedic programs.