Mike Edwards, RDN’s Chief Operating Officer, is excited about this new partnership and how we can work together to improve health outcomes in regional, rural and remote NSW.
The Rural Doctors Network has recently joined NSWRHP. What is it about this new partnership that you are most excited?
Firstly, it was a real pleasure for RDN to be invited to join the partnership. Our organisation is almost 40 years old and has been built on partnering and networking. RDN has a unique position in navigating and operating at national, state and regional levels, but always basing itself on community-first principles. We strongly believe that good partnerships can lead to better health access and better health outcomes for remote, rural and regional communities. This partnership is particularly exciting because it is focused on building research capacity and capability in rural NSW through a diverse group of consumer, academic, public health and primary health stakeholders. I’m personally excited to offer RDN’s long term experience across all rural NSW.
What professional and personal experiences have led you to your current role?
I have been with RDN almost fifteen years, with a prior career in commercial technology and leadership. I had a strong desire to find more purpose in my work and starting at RDN was my first foray into health, rural and not for profit. I have enjoyed every moment. I have had the privilege to work in a variety of roles in RDN, starting as a project officer partnering with rural communities, ACCHOs, LHDs, Councils and others on sustainable health access service delivery models, though to designing statewide health needs assessments and workforce planning. I am now leading organisational impact, service delivery and knowledge mobilisation for RDN.
Can you share a game changer moment or something RDN has achieved that you’re particularly proud of?
There are a few moments that come to mind, always appreciating RDN is only one part of a game changer moment. I am particularly proud of RDN being recognised, with others, in the federal budget a few years ago to receive funding for our Collaborative Care Program. This program is an evidence informed community-centred approach to address health care challenges in rural and regional NSW such as the recruitment and retention of health practitioners, financial sustainability of health services, and continuity of care. It’s built on RDN’s 40 year history of town based planning and is now also supported by NSW Health.
I am also humbled by the thanks and recognition we receive from rural doctors and communities for the support they have received from RDN staff. I feel that we have played a small but significant role in helping new doctors establish, and thrive, in rural towns across NSW. That’s a game changer in my eyes.
What do you love most about working in rural health?
Pretty simple – the people; the strengths-based approach to problem solving and the innovation that is born out of rural health.
What’s something you’ve learned from working with rural clinicians?
I have really enjoyed and appreciated sitting with rural clinicians over many years – I always walk away with something new. I have really come to understand that rural clinicians work both for their patients, and for the public health of the community that they work in.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
I love cooking and love cooking for family and friends, it’s my way to decompress. I am a very keen AFL Swans supporter and enjoy spending time hiking.
What’s an interesting or unexpected fact that others might not know about you
I don’t know if this is interesting, but when I was in Year 6, I was runner up to the Australian Monopoly Champion who went on to represent Australian in Germany. Yes, it was a real thing.
What about RDN?
Something really cool and interesting about RDN is our emergency dental kit. Developed by Dr Tony Skapetis from the Faculty of Dentistry at Sydney University many years ago, I am proud to see these low-cost kits are still available to rural Hospitals and clinicians to assist in dental emergencies.
