AFRM News – July 2026
A message from your President
Kia ora/Dear Colleagues
We are midway through an eventful year, both domestically and internationally. If you are a football fan, I am sure the FIFA World Cup has been providing a pleasant diversion lately.
For the nine new Fellows that I capped at Convocation in Sydney at the end of May, this will be a huge year for celebrating the tough years of study now behind them. Special congratulations to Dr Emma Sheaves whom I capped and then awarded the Adrian Paul Prize for best scientific work submitted during training.
L to R: Dr Richard Seemann, AFRM President, and Dr Emma Sheaves, recipient of the 2025 Adrian Paul Prize, at the RACP Convocation Ceremony in Sydney on 30 May 2025
While in Sydney, I also attended the RACP AGM and was pleased to see that the two independent members newly appointed by the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) to the RACP Board were bringing much needed governance expertise and stability to the College.
Like many Fellows and trainees, I feel it is time to draw a line under the disruptive and uncivil behaviour that was going on in the College and its Board before the ACNC and the NSW Supreme Court stepped in.
I can assure you that the AFRM Council and our Faculty committees all work in a pleasant collegial fashion together. Our focus is very much on the wellbeing, education and assessment of trainees, the continuing education and support of Fellows, advocacy for our specialty and a welcoming public face to rehabilitation medicine in Australasia.
I am greatly looking forward to seeing as many Fellows and trainees as possible in person at the forthcoming RMSANZ Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Darwin from 19 to 23 July 2026. Please do come up and have a chat to me.
I have a busy schedule at the ASM. I will be delivering a talk on AI in Aotearoa New Zealand rehabilitation practice and research, plus presenting a poster. I will be providing a verbal update on the state of the AFRM at one of the plenary sessions, too.
AFRM will have a booth in the Exhibitors Hall providing information on educational activities, and you may see me there supporting our staff.
Note especially that we will also hold the AFRM Annual Members’ Meeting in person on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 3.30pm at the Conference venue, also with an option to participate online.
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 Annual Scientific Meeting 2026
The AFRM AMM will take place at the Darwin Convention Centre on Tuesday, 21 July, from 3.30pm to 4.15pm (ACST), following the RMSANZ ASM 2026. All AFRM members across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia are encouraged to attend, either in person or online.
Registration is now open. Please register to confirm your attendance in person or online.
AFRM nominates new Clinical Director, AROC
Dr Sharon Wong has been appointed as the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM) Nominee – Clinical Director at the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre (AROC). We thank Dr Wong for taking on this important role and look forward to the valuable contributions she will make.
FAFRM eligibility for ANZCA course in perioperative medicine
AFRM Fellows are now eligible to enrol in the ANZCA course in perioperative medicine. This positive change to the eligibility requirements reflects the important role rehabilitation physicians play in perioperative patient care.
For more information, please refer to the ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine webpage.
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.
2026 AFRM Annual Trainee Program
The 2026 AFRM Annual Trainee Program (ATP) will be held online on Saturday, 31 October. This full-day event will feature a diverse and engaging program, with presentations from a range of experts across the rehabilitation medicine field. All AFRM trainees are warmly encouraged to attend.
Further details, including registration information, will be available soon. If you would like to suggest topics or speakers, please contact Julia Payne, AFRM Executive Officer at afrm@racp.edu.au
Bi-National Training Program 2026
The BNTP Webinar Series is continuing throughout 2026 and will run on the last Wednesday of every month from 3pm to 5pm AEST/AEDT. Register for upcoming sessions to stay up to date with the latest insights and discussions in rehabilitation medicine.
Catch up on previous BNTP webinars you've missed, or revisit previous sessions, on Medflix – your go-to place for on-demand learning and insights.
NSW Lecture Series
The NSW/ACT Regional Branch is proud to continue offering monthly teaching sessions designed to provide face-to-face, hands-on learning for trainees, delivered by local clinicians across a variety of disciplines. Sessions are held live via Zoom on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm AEST.
Register here to secure your spot. For more information, email rehab@racp.edu.au
RACP Trainee Research Awards
The Trainee Research Awards (TRAs) provide trainees with a valuable opportunity to present their research at an Australian regional or Aotearoa New Zealand event. The best presenters from each local event are invited to present their work alongside recognised researchers at the RACP Trainee Research Awards Symposium in 2027. Applications open 1 July to 16 August 2026.
RACP Trainee Research Award Symposium 2026
Celebrate and support 2025 award recipients as they present their research at the Symposium on Friday, 31 July 2026, live from the RACP Sydney office, Level 1, 145 Macquarie Street or online. These outstanding trainees will present their cutting-edge research in adult and paediatric medicine.
Find out more or register.
Research Projects: free online courses for trainees
Join the online Research Projects course, which supports trainees with a detailed walk-through 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 publicise their work.
RMSANZ offers promotion free of charge via its website, as well as social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Participation is voluntary, and trainees are required to provide consent prior to any material being shared.
If interested, please email admin@rmsanz.net
At a glance: Regional activities across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia
Western Australia
Register for the AFRM WA Regional Committee Annual Members’ Meeting
The AFRM WA Regional Committee AMM will be held at the RACP WA office on Friday, 24 July 2026 from 4pm to 6pm (AWST). Members are encouraged to attend in person but also have the option to attend online.
Dr Richard Seemann, President of AFRM, will be joining as a special guest. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues and hear updates from WA rehabilitation medicine sites, including recent service growth and training successes. Register here.
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
Opening soon
- AFRM Adrian Paul Prize: awarded annually for the best scientific work in the field of rehabilitation medicine submitted as part of the AFRM Advanced Training Program. Applications open 1 August 2026.
College Awards and Prizes – call for nominations
Nominations are now open for the following College awards and prizes, which acknowledge outstanding contributions and achievements made by Fellows and trainees in their respective fields. Nominations close 31 August 2026.
- Eric Susman Prize: a prestigious award for the best contribution to the knowledge of any branch of internal medicine. The Medal is presented at the RACP College Ceremony.
- John Sands Medal: recognises a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to the welfare of RACP and its members.
- College Medal: awarded to a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to medical specialist practice, healthcare and/or health of community through physician activities.
- RACP International Medal: recognises a member who has provided outstanding service in developing countries.
- RACP Medal for Clinical Service in Rural and Remote Areas: recognises a Fellow who has provided outstanding clinical service in rural and remote areas of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
- RACP Mentor of the Year Award: recognises a Fellow who has made an outstanding contribution to mentoring or provided a high level of support and guidance throughout training.
- RACP Trainee of the Year Award: recognises a trainee who has made an outstanding contribution to College, community and trainee activities.
Further details 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.
Expressions of interest to join AFRM Committees
- AFRM Research Committee, 1 x Aotearoa New Zealand Fellow
- AFRM Policy & Advocacy Committee, 1 x Fellow
- AFRM NSW/ACT Regional Committee, 1 x Regional Training Coordinator
- AFRM QLD Regional Committee, 1 x Trainee Representative, 3 x Fellows, 1 x Fellow (Faculty Policy Advocacy Committee)
- AFRM SA/NT Regional Committee, 3 x Fellows, 1 x Trainee Representative
- AFRM WA Regional Committee, 1 x Regional Training Coordinator, 1 x Fellow (FPAC Representative), 5 x Fellows
- AFRM VIC/TAS Regional Committee, 1 x Fellow
Join Queensland’s Medical Assessment Tribunals
Apply to join the General Medical Assessment Tribunal, an independent panel of medical specialists who determine the answer to complex medical questions in Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme. Find out more or apply. Applications close 26 July 2026.
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 or online (hybrid)
Register: here
RMSANZ Events
Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand 9th Annual Scientific MeetingWhen: Sunday, 19 to Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Where: Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory
Find out more or register
Visit the College website for our full list of events
College news and events
Visit the RACP website to view the latest news and events
Other news and events
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