Rural generalist Dr Merran Auland, who now farms in the Hunter, has been named a recipient of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Distinguished Service Award.
The award recognises her influential work in medical regulation, assessment, education and mentorship. It was presented at the Rural Medicine Australia 2026 conference in Adelaide, held from 21 to 24 October.
Dr Auland is a rural generalist anaesthetist who works as a GP visiting medical officer, providing anaesthetic and emergency care in NSW hospitals.
Since 2017 she has played a leading role in developing ACRRM assessments, including several years leading the writing of the Structured Assessment Using Multiple Patient Scenarios examination, known as StAMPS. She has also contributed to teaching and to the delivery of the college’s Rural Emergency Skills Training course. For almost a decade she has represented ACRRM on the Medical Council of NSW, and she joined the board of the Remote Vocational Training Scheme in 2022, serving as Deputy Chair in 2024.
Dr Auland said contributing to the education and development of other rural generalists had been a privilege.
“Rural Generalists should be judged by Rural Generalists. Fair recognition and peer-based assessment are fundamental to maintaining standards and supporting the rural communities we serve,” she said.
