DRIVERS 2026 submissions open
DRIVERS is back in Bendigo this year and open for abstract submissions.
Now in its sixth year, the Doctors for Regional Innovation, Vision, Excellence, Research and Scholarship (DRIVERS) conference provides an exceptional development and networking opportunity for rural junior doctors, registrars and medical students. Over a full day, attendees hear about the latest advances in rural health research, connect with peers and colleagues and celebrate research success at an awards evening.
Last year, medical student Sam Arulshankar received the Regional Hub Director’s Award for his presentation on expandable water bead injuries in rural settings, and the challenges posed by limited access to imaging, ENT and paediatric surgical support for timely identification and treatment of injuries caused by the foreign object.
He said his experience at DRIVERS connected him with people who had similar areas of interest and provided useful feedback on his presentation.
“Many of these connections are people I have since stayed in touch with for career advice and mentorship,” he said. “It was also incredibly valuable to hear from the other speakers, as it gave me new perspectives on how to improve my own presentation style and approach research more creatively.
“Seeing medical students, doctors and junior doctors present such impressive research was very inspiring, and winning the Regional Hub Director’s Award, along with receiving positive feedback on my own project, was very motivating and encouraged me to continue working hard.”
University of Queensland medical student, Muhammad Abdul (Hadi) Hadi, travelled from Rockhampton to Traralgon for the opportunity to present at DRIVERS.
"Presenting at the DRIVERS conference was an incredible experience. As a medical student, it provided the perfect platform to present my research to a diverse audience of experts, professionals, and peers."
Dr Kayla Gallert from Barwon Health has presented at three DRIVERS conferences - as both a student and last year, an intern from University Hospital Geelong.
"As a junior doctor, the opportunity to present at DRIVERS 2025 allowed me to expand both my research and communication skills, in addition to meeting peers with a similar interest and drive to making regional rural healthcare accessible to all."
Abstract submissions have been extended by one week and will now close on Tuesday 7 June.
The DRIVERS conference will be held in Bendigo on Saturday 3 October. For Gippsland entrants who are selected to present, the Gippsland Regional Training Hub covers the conference registration fee.
If you have any questions, email northwestvictoria-rth@monash.edu