AFRM News – April 2026
A message from your President
Kia ora/Dear Colleagues
Another year is underway, with a new set of challenges for us all, both domestically and internationally. And our specialty needs to continue evolving and meeting the challenges of an ageing population, one surviving with more chronic diseases, and a time in which the challenges of oil and affordability crises make it harder for the poor, the underprivileged, Indigenous and those in rural and remote areas to access healthcare and rehabilitation services.
We were updated at the latest AFRM Council meeting in Sydney a fortnight ago about progress in the Binational Rehabilitation Strategy project. Work is ongoing with the working group having written multiple drafts. I anticipate that this will be an important document for advocacy for our specialty when completed.
I am pleased to report that the Faculty’s interactions with RMSANZ have continued to be very positive and collaborative. RMSANZ has offered us significant concessions for participation at the Darwin annual scientific conference in July. We will have a plenary session, research workshop, a booth in the concourse and for the first time since COVID, a face-to-face annual members’ meeting with an online option for those who cannot attend in person.
In other RMSANZ-related news, we have now transferred management of the essentially defunct special interest groups (SIGs) in the AFRM to RMSANZ, except for the paediatric rehabilitation SIG.
RMSANZ has also offered to publish trainee research projects on their website as a means of increasing the profile of this aspect of the training program.
I was very disappointed to hear recently that we won’t be able to deliver the George Burniston Oration, which used to be delivered as part of the RACP Congress, in person this year. RACP Congress has been discontinued as attendance has been falling. Congress has been replaced with the RACP LIFT series, with events running from March to November across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. I encourage you to visit the website and get involved.
The RACP website describes the Burniston as “the AFRM's keynote lecture… (it) was named… soon after our incorporation into the RACP, as part of our efforts to showcase our history and pay homage to our founders”. We have given many local AFRM leaders and academics the honour of delivering it, as well as overseas rehabilitation celebrities like Derick Wade, Lynne Turner-Stokes and Gerold Stucki. We will likely deliver the Burniston Oration this year in an online format, but I sincerely hope we will have a live presentation at a suitable venue in future years.
I want to thank the Queensland branch for asking me to present briefly online at their trainee induction evening recently. It was an excellent evening with a range of Fellows introducing the energy and vigour within our specialty. I am happy to speak at other branch meetings to give both trainees and Fellows an update on the workings of the Faculty.
Lastly, I want to come to the topic of incivility in the RACP. For those monitoring the news closely, there have been items about the chaos at the heart of the College, primarily around the RACP Board, the President and the President-elect.
Good, courteous leadership is so important in my opinion, no matter whether in government, workplaces or the College. I ask all AFRM Fellows and trainees to work together to call out uncivil behaviour, discrimination, racism, misogyny or any other form of behaviour designed to demean others. My vision is to see the AFRM in the coming year setting an example of tolerance and polite interaction, no matter the divergence in views.
With warmest regards to you all/Mauri ora ki a koutou katoa
Dr Richard Seemann
AFRM President
AFRM insights
AFRM Annual Members’ Meeting at the RMSANZ ASM 2026
We are pleased to announce that this year’s Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) will be held immediately following the RMSANZ ASM 2026 at the Darwin Convention Centre on Tuesday, 21 July, from 3.30pm to 4.15pm (ACST). Further details will be shared soon.
AFRM Fellowship Written Examination results
Results of the AFRM Fellowship Written Examination were released on Thursday, 9 April to the 57 candidates who sat the exam.
The AFRM Fellowship Clinical Examination will be held on Sunday, 3 May at Gold Coast University Hospital, with 65 trainees scheduled to sit. We wish all candidates the very best for their upcoming examination.
AFRM Policy & Advocacy Committee seeks Fellows
The Committee promotes rehabilitation principles in healthcare and supports the healthcare needs of people living with a disability. It advocates for rehabilitation medicine across diverse healthcare settings and serves as an authoritative body for consultation on policy and advocacy matters.
The Committee also supports all AFRM Australian state and territory committees, as well as the AFRM Aotearoa New Zealand Committee’s local advocacy initiatives. Expressions of interest will open soon so keep an eye out and apply,
If you’d like to learn more about the Committee’s work before applying, contact AFRM@racp.edu for a chat with Dr Caitlin Anderson, Chair, AFRM Policy & Advocacy Committee and AFRM President-elect.
Research Supervision: Free online courses for AFRM supervisors
Are you a supervisor or interested in becoming one? A trainee’s experience can be greatly enhanced by a supportive and informed supervisor. The
Research Supervision online course is designed for supervisors seeking an update on research project requirements and the research process in general. Log in to
RACP Online Learning to access the course.
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Join us at an RACP LIFT event this year. Designed to support your clinical practice and professional development across a range of specialties, RACP LIFT events are available virtually as well as in-person, in cities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
With options to suit all members, explore our upcoming events and register early to secure your place.
Trainees' corner
Stay up to date with the latest news from the trainee community and discover ways to enhance your training. From new resources to upcoming events, there's always something to support your growth and development.
Get Involved: Help Develop the 2026 ATM Program
The AFRM is seeking interested trainees to help shape the 2026 ATM program by contributing ideas, suggesting topics, and assisting with sourcing speakers. This is a great opportunity to collaborate with the Chair of the AFRM Trainee Committee and ensure the program reflects trainee priorities and interests. Trainees keen to be involved are encouraged to contact the Faculty at afrm@racp.edu.au
Bi-National Training Program 2026
The BNTP Webinar Series is continuing in 2026 and will run on the last Wednesday of every month from 3pm to 5pm AEST/AEDT. Join us for upcoming sessions covering a range of topics in rehabilitation medicine, and register to stay up to date with the latest insights and discussions.
Missed a BNTP webinar? Catch up or revisit the webinars at Medflix – your go-to destination for on-demand learning and insights.
NSW Lecture Series
The NSW/ACT branch is proud to offer monthly teaching sessions providing face-to-face, hands-on learning for trainees, led by local clinicians across a range of disciplines.
For those unable to attend in person, sessions are available via a hybrid model with live Zoom access. Sessions are held on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3 pm AEST.
Register now to secure your spot. For more information, email rehab@racp.edu.au
Apply for the Dr Boris Mak Rehabilitation Medicine Trainee Award
AFRM trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand are invited to apply for the Dr Boris Mak Rehabilitation Medicine Trainee Award, recognising the best presentation at the annual New Zealand Rehabilitation Medicine Symposium.
Applications open from Rāmere 1 Haratua 2026 | Friday, 1 May 2026 to Rāmere 5 Pipiri 2026 | Friday, 5 June 2026.
Research Projects: Free online courses for trainees
Enrol in the RACP Research Projects online course for a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire research process.
Opportunity for trainees to showcase their research work
The Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (RMSANZ) is pleased to offer rehabilitation trainees who have submitted abstracts as part of their research modules a platform to share their work. This initiative aims to give trainees broader exposure for their research and strengthen engagement within rehabilitation medicine. RMSANZ will promote selected research free of charge via their website and social media channels, including LinkedIn and Facebook. Participation is entirely voluntary, and trainees must provide consent before any material is shared community. Trainees interested in participating are invited to email admin@rmsanz.net
For general training enquiries: occenvmed@racp.edu.au
At a glance: Regional activities across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia
New South Wales
Event Report: Orange Musculoskeletal Workshop – Continuing the legacy of Dr Alex Ganora
The annual Orange Musculoskeletal Workshop was held in Orange on 13 to 14 March by Dr Sumitha Gounden, Dr Sheela Perumal, Dr Chiaki Kojima, Dr Clair Sui and Jon Garner. Now in its 15th year, the program offers AFRM trainees structured teaching in musculoskeletal examination and rehabilitation-focused clinical skills.
Fifteen trainees attended the two-day course, benefiting from small group teaching and close interaction with instructors. Participants reported increased confidence in musculoskeletal assessment, better exam preparation, and a supportive learning environment provided by the Orange Rehabilitation team.
Queensland
Event Report: AFRM QLD Trainee Welcome Night
New and prospective AFRM trainees were warmly welcomed by the QLD regional team at a special Welcome Night, held in person at the RACP Queensland office and online on Wednesday, 11 February.
With 48 attendees, the event was hosted by Dr Teresa Boyle, Chair of the AFRM QLD Regional Committee. The evening offered practical tips and valuable insights on the training journey, while giving trainees the chance to connect with Fellows and peers in a supportive, engaging environment.
Western Australia
Save the Date: WA Annual Members’ Meeting
The AFRM WA Regional Committee is hosting its Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) at the RACP WA office on Friday, 24 July 2026 at 4pm (AWST). Members are encouraged to attend in person but have the option to attend online. More information to come.
Awards, scholarships and prizes
The RACP Foundation offers Fellowships, scholarships, grants, and prizes to members dedicated to advancing healthcare. There are also various other Medals and Prizes that recognise the exceptional contributions and achievements of our Fellows and trainees.
Closing soon
Dr Boris Mak Rehabilitation Medicine Trainee Award: for the best presentation by an AFRM Aotearoa New Zealand trainee at the annual New Zealand Rehabilitation Medicine Symposium. Applications open Rāmere 1 Haratua 2026 | Friday 1 May 2026.
AFRM Research Entry Scholarship: offers financial support to encourage rehabilitation medicine research in the management of functional loss, activity limitation, or participation restriction caused by illness or injury. Value up to AUD $45,000. Applications open Friday, 1 May 2026.
AFRM Research Development Fellowship: provides funding for smaller research projects in the field of rehabilitation medicine. Value up to $10,000. Applications open Monday, 15 June 2026.
AFRM Bruce Ford Travelling Fellowship: supports AFRM Fellows and trainees wishing to undertake formal research training through an overseas research position. Value up to $10,000. Applications open Monday, 15 June 2026.
Further details of the scholarship program are available on the RACP Foundation webpage.
Alternatively, email the Foundation team at foundation@racp.edu.au
Make an impact
Discover how you can get involved and make a difference by volunteering for an exciting opportunity within your Faculty. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, gain experience, or simply give back, there are plenty of rewarding opportunities waiting for you.
AFRM Policy & Advocacy Committee
AFRM Policy & Advocacy Committee, 1 x Fellow
AFRM Policy & Advocacy Committee - Rural & Remote, 1 x Fellow
AFRM Regional Committees
AFRM NSW/ACT Regional Committee, 1 x Regional Training Coordinator
AFRM QLD Regional Committee, 3 x Fellows
AFRM QLD Regional Committee FPAC Representative, 1 x Fellow
AFRM SA/NT Regional Committee, 3 x Fellows
AFRM WA Regional Committee, 1 x Regional Training Coordinator, 1 x Fellow (FPAC Representative), 5 x Fellows
AFRM Faculty Assessment Committee
Chair, 1 x Fellow
Call for reviewers
Would you like to help us judge the AFRM Adrian Paul Prize and earn CPD hours? To find out more or express your interest, email afrm@racp.edu.au
View more expressions of interest
Explore our updated
events list for a chance to gain valuable insights, grow your expertise, and connect with your colleagues. Each event is designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your professional journey.
AFRM Annual Members’ Meeting 2026
When: Tuesday, 21 July 2026, 3.30pm to 4.15pm (ACST)
Where: Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory and online (hybrid)
Registration: opening soon
Aotearoa NZ AFRM Symposium
When: Saturday, 27 June 2026, 9.30am to 3.30pm (NZST)
Where: Auckland (venue TBC)
Registration: opening soon
RMSANZ Events
Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand 9th Annual Scientific Meeting
When: Sunday, 19 July to Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Where: Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory
Register now. Early Bird Registration closes on Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Visit the College website for our full list of events
In other news
AFRM contact details
Member enquiries
Phone (AUS): 1300 69 7227
Phone (NZ): 0508 69 7227
Email: memberservices@racp.edu.au
AFRM Faculty enquiries (including Council and Committees)
Email: afrm@racp.edu.au
Aotearoa NZ AFRM Committee
Executive Officer, DFACs AoNZ
Phone: +64 4 460 8142
Email: nz_afrm@racp.org.nz
Aotearoa NZ office
Executive Officer, DFACs AoNZ
Phone: +64 4 460 8142
Email: nz_afrm@racp.org.nz
AFRM education and training enquiries
Education Officer
Phone: +61 2 8247 6237
Email: rehab@racp.edu.au