Supervisors’ Compass

ACRRM Podcasts
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Medicine

The ACRRM podcast Supervisors’ Compass is a series for supervisors supporting registrars on the ACRRM Rural Generalist pathway. Episodes explore topics from setting up strong placements to giving effective feedback, managing the unexpected, and navigating challenging supervision situations. You’ll hear from experienced supervisors and educators as they share what they’ve learned, what they’ve tried, and what’s helped them guide the next generation of rural generalists in the right direction. You can listen to Supervisors’ Compass via the podcast webpage or on your favourite podcast platform. New episodes are added throughout the year, so subscribe to stay up to date.

  1. 24 Aug

    Getting the Most Out of Clinical Placements (with Dr Bec Devitt)

    How can supervisors create clinical placements where registrars feel supported, trusted and able to thrive? In this episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are joined by recently Fellowed Rural Generalist Dr Rebecca (Bec) Devitt, who reflects on her own training to offer a recent registrar perspective on what makes a great clinical placement. Bec shares what set her best placements and supervisors apart. The discussion explores the importance of understanding a registrar’s previous experience, goals and future clinical context, providing a strong orientation, and recognising the many non-clinical challenges that come with starting in a new practice, hospital and community. They also discuss building trust, balancing independence with appropriate support, creating a safe environment for questions and difficult conversations, and helping registrars feel part of the broader practice and community. For supervisors, this episode offers practical insights into creating placements that support learning, wellbeing and belonging while helping registrars grow into confident, capable Rural Generalists.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

  2. 20 July

    Making Learning Stick: Practical Learning Theory for Supervisors

    How can supervisors help registrars turn everyday clinical experience into learning that actually sticks? In this episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays explore practical learning theory and what it means for supervision in Rural Generalist training.  The discussion unpacks common assumptions about registrar learning, including the idea that experience alone is enough, or that registrars will naturally know what they need to learn. They explore key concepts including adult learning, the Zone of Proximal Development, cognitive load, active learning, memory and feedback, showing how these ideas can support more effective teaching in practice. For supervisors wanting to make teaching moments more effective, this episode offers practical insights into helping registrars reflect, retrieve, apply and build on new knowledge in everyday Rural Generalist practice.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

  3. 25 June

    From Program to Practice: Integrating the Fellowship Education Program (with Dr Matt Ruhl)

    How can supervisors help registrars connect the Fellowship Education Program with everyday clinical practice? In this episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are joined by Dr Matt Ruhl to explore how the program supports registrars on their pathway to Fellowship. The discussion unpacks what the program includes, how it is structured, and how it aligns with the ACRRM curriculum, assessment, and workplace-based learning. Rather than sitting separately from clinical practice, the program is framed as a practical set of guide rails and guard rails, helping registrars build breadth, confidence, and capability. They also explore the educational principles behind the program, including work-immersed learning, graded supervision, scaffolding, peer learning, and applying knowledge to real patient care. For supervisors wanting to better understand what their registrars are engaging with, this episode offers practical insights into using the Fellowship Education Program to support learning conversations and connect program learning with day-to-day Rural Generalist practice.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

  4. 11 May

    Will This Be in the Exam? Part 2: Preparing for Success (with Dr James Fraser)

    How do supervisors help registrars turn everyday clinical work into exam success? In this episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays continue their conversation with Dr James Fraser, exploring what really prepares registrars for assessment. The discussion examines why capable registrars can struggle in exams, and highlights the importance of recency of practice, breadth of experience, and learning through real patient care rather than relying solely on study. They also explore the supervisor’s role as an assessor, emphasising how direct observation, workplace based assessments, and constructive feedback provide the most meaningful preparation. With a focus on authenticity and ongoing feedback, the episode reinforces that every patient encounter is an opportunity for learning and exam readiness. For supervisors wanting practical ways to better support registrars, this episode offers clear insights and a reminder that assessment is embedded in everyday practice.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

  5. 13 Apr

    Will This Be in the Exam? Part 1: Understanding Assessment (with Dr James Fraser)

    How should supervisors respond when registrars ask, “Will this be in the exam?” In this episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are joined by Dr James Fraser to explore what assessment really means in Rural Generalist training. The discussion challenges the idea that only certain topics are “exam-relevant,” highlighting how ACRRM assessments reflect the breadth of real-world practice and the capabilities required of a competent Rural Generalist. They also explore the supervisor’s role in assessment, emphasising how everyday clinical teaching, observation, and feedback help prepare registrars for both exams and independent practice. With practical insights and a clear reframing of assessment as part of learning, this episode encourages supervisors to see themselves as active participants in the assessment process.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

  6. 9 Mar

    Supporting Neurodiverse Learners: Part 2 (with Dr Naomi Luck and Dr Katie Williamson)

    In this second part of the conversation, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are again joined by Dr Naomi Luck and Dr Katie Williamson to explore how neurodiversity plays out in Rural Generalist practice and supervision. The discussion highlights the strengths neurodivergent doctors may bring to rural medicine, including divergent clinical reasoning, big-picture thinking, adaptability, and comfort managing complexity and uncertainty, qualities that are often well suited to rural practice. The panel also turns to the supervisory relationship, acknowledging that neurodiversity is just as likely among supervisors as registrars. They explore how differing thinking styles can shape communication and feedback, and why early conversations about expectations, learning preferences and support structures are key to building effective partnerships. With practical strategies and reflections on evolving cultural change within ACRRM, this episode reinforces a strengths-based approach to supervision and encourages inclusive learning environments where diverse ways of thinking are recognised as assets to Rural Generalist training.   Key resources: Broadening an understanding of learners who think differently in medical education (Hays RB, Hartman D, Heggarty P, Harte J): https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2025.2606065  Autistic SPACE: a novel framework for meeting the needs of autistic people in healthcare settings (Doherty M, McCowan S, Shaw SC): https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2023.0006 Autistic Doctors International (ADI): https://autisticdoctorsinternational.com/    Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

  7. 16 Feb

    Supporting Neurodiverse Learners: Part 1 (with Dr Naomi Luck and Dr Katie Williamson)

    How can supervisors better understand and support neurodiverse learners in Rural Generalist training? In this episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are joined by Dr Naomi Luck and Dr Katie Williamson to explore what neurodiversity means in the context of medical education and clinical supervision. The discussion unpacks common forms of neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, and challenges misconceptions that neurodiverse doctors are less capable or less suited to clinical practice. Instead, the panel highlights the strengths neurodiverse registrars often bring, such as flexible thinking, creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and deep clinical focus. They also reflect on why some registrars may thrive in clinical work yet struggle in more traditional assessment environments, and how supervisors can recognise when additional structure, support, or reasonable adjustments may be helpful, without jumping to labels or assumptions. With practical insights and a strengths-based approach, this episode encourages supervisors to create inclusive learning environments where all registrars can succeed.   Key resources: Broadening an understanding of learners who think differently in medical education (Hays RB, Hartman D, Heggarty P, Harte J): https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2025.2606065  Autistic SPACE: a novel framework for meeting the needs of autistic people in healthcare settings (Doherty M, McCowan S, Shaw SC): https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2023.0006 Autistic Doctors International (ADI): https://autisticdoctorsinternational.com/    Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

  8. 12 Jan

    So You’re Thinking About Becoming a Supervisor?

    What motivates clinicians to become supervisors, and what can they expect to gain from the role? In this episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays explore the decision to step into supervision and the factors that influence that choice. They discuss the curiosity, uncertainty, and professional reflections that often sit behind becoming a supervisor, including motivations such as professional development, workforce sustainability, and contributing to the next generation of Rural Generalists. The conversation also acknowledges common concerns around responsibility, trust, and preparedness for the role. Drawing on insights from supervisors at the recent ACRRM Supervisor Summit, the episode highlights the rewards of supervision, including shared learning, professional renewal, and the value of supportive communities of practice. For clinicians considering supervision, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and encouragement to take that first step. We also extend our thanks to the supervisors who generously shared their insights and experiences at the summit: Dr Sarah Woodland, Dr Graeme Fitzclarence, Dr Mohammed Mohammed, Dr Rachel Dennis, Dr Volker Rockliff Boehm, Dr Tess Goodwin, Dr Katherine Hancock, Dr Saman Maheepala, and Dr Simon Birchley, along with the many other supervisors who also contributed their perspectives.   Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.

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About

The ACRRM podcast Supervisors’ Compass is a series for supervisors supporting registrars on the ACRRM Rural Generalist pathway. Episodes explore topics from setting up strong placements to giving effective feedback, managing the unexpected, and navigating challenging supervision situations. You’ll hear from experienced supervisors and educators as they share what they’ve learned, what they’ve tried, and what’s helped them guide the next generation of rural generalists in the right direction. You can listen to Supervisors’ Compass via the podcast webpage or on your favourite podcast platform. New episodes are added throughout the year, so subscribe to stay up to date.

Information

  • Creator
    ACRRM Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Supervisors’ Compass