DRIVERS committee preparing for another great conference
The steering and scientific committees for the 2023 Doctors for Regional Innovation, Vision, Excellence, Research & Scholarship (DRIVERS) conference has been announced, including a diverse mix of junior doctors from across the Loddon Mallee
Dr Monique Bihari, who is co-chair of the steering committee this year, is a registrar in training at Bendigo Health, and brings a passion for medical education and research, as well as previous experience working with the Prevocational Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of Victoria (PVOCS) organising events, and managing their social media platforms.
“I was drawn to join the committee as an excellent opportunity for gaining professional connections, and also to further my skills at organising and running events.”
Returning to co-chair the scientific steering committee this year, Dr Nathan Dalton, who works as a Hospital Medical Officer at Bendigo Health, believes the conference is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the great research that is completed in regional and remote areas.
“I am looking forward to contributing to the planning of DRIVERS 2023, and offering feedback on what worked in previous years and what could be improved to help make 2023 the best year yet!”
Bringing a strong understanding of rural health through lived experience growing up in rural Northern Territory and Queensland, Dr Jasmine Elliot was driven to study medicine by her personal and observed experience of health inequity. Currently an intern at Bendigo Health, Jasmine has a growing interest in research, being involved in several projects, as well as a keen interest in event organisation and logistics.
“I am excited to be able to play a role in delivering this conference to our community, inspiring more medical students to consider rural health, and those already involved to continue to be.”
Fellow Bendigo Health intern, Dr Frank Dunley, is also a new addition to the DRIVERS 2023 steering committee. Frank, who completed much of his medical training in Bendigo, sees the event as an amazing networking opportunity, forming connections with peers and senior colleagues.
“DRIVERS helps promote and improve opportunities for those of us who want to practice and train regionally, without losing some of the perceived benefits of the metropolitan hospitals”
The full DRIVERS 2023 steering committee and scientific steering committee members are:
Steering committee
Dr Monique 'Mon' Bihari, Co-chair
Dr Noel Ravindranayagam, Co-chair
Dr Jasmine Elliot
Dr Benjamin Sebastian
Dr Louise Burns
Dr Frank Dunley
Dr Elly Thomas
Dr Alannah Murray
Dr Rochelle Vaz
Dr Sally Barker
Scientific Committee
Dr Nathan Dalton, Co-chair
Dr Jessica Paynter, Co-chair
A/Prof Janelle Brennann
Dr Rebecca Matheson
Read more information about committee members and bios here.
DRIVERS 2023 state-wide conference is a day to explore academic innovation and excellence in regional medicine, and an evening to celebrate our vision with an awards ceremony, accompanied by some of Bendigo’s best food, drinks and entertainment. DRIVERS 2023 will be hosted by Monash Rural Health on Saturday 23 September 2023, in Bendigo.
DRIVERS 2023 is currently calling for abstract submissions from junior doctors, registrars, fellows, consultants and medical students in regional and rural settings, to present their research.
Abstract submissions close 15 June, apply online.
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Monash Rural Health Regional Training HubsThe Monash Rural Health Regional Training Hubs facilitate speciality training and career development opportunities for junior doctors, to help them live, work and train rurally. The Monash Regional Training Hubs are supported by the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program of the Department of Health.