Supervisors’ Compass

ACRRM Podcasts

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.

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  1. 3월 9일

    Supporting Neurodiverse Learners (Part 2)

    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.

    14분
  2. 2월 16일

    Supporting Neurodiverse Learners (Part 1)

    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.

    19분
  3. 1월 12일

    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.

    21분
  4. 2025. 12. 15.

    Starting Strong: The First 2–4 Weeks

    What sets a registrar up for success in a new placement, and how can supervisors lay the groundwork for a productive and trusting learning relationship? In this fifth episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays explore the crucial first few weeks of supervision, a period that can shape the entire training placement. They discuss why these early weeks matter so much, how to establish a safe and supportive learning environment, and the importance of clarity around expectations, communication, and help seeking. Drawing on insights from supervisors at the recent ACRRM Supervisor Summit, the episode highlights practical approaches to building rapport, understanding learning needs, and fostering psychological safety from day one. For supervisors, this episode offers guidance and reassurance on how to start strong, creating conditions where both supervisor and registrar can thrive, learn together, and set the tone for a rewarding placement ahead. We also extend our thanks to the supervisors who generously shared their insights and experiences at the summit: Dr Christine Hampshire, Dr Tess Goodwin, Dr Graeme Fitzclarence, Dr Volker Rockliff Boehm, Dr Pieter Oosthuizen, Dr Mohammed Mohammed, Dr Sarah Woodland, and Dr Sally Street, 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.

    19분
  5. 2025. 09. 08.

    Walking the Line: Boundaries and Professionalism in Supervision

    Where do the boundaries lie in supervision, and how do we handle it when things get blurred? In this second episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays unpack the complexities of professionalism, boundaries, and the challenges of “walking the line” in rural and remote medical practice. Drawing on their combined experience in supervision, rural generalism, and medical education, James and Richard discuss how overlapping roles, including supervisor, employer, colleague and even treating doctor, can create complexities, particularly in smaller communities. They share practical strategies for setting clear expectations, role modelling professionalism, and supporting registrars to develop the self-awareness and reflective practice that underpin their professional identity. They also highlight the subtle warning signs that may point to professionalism concerns, the role of feedback and observation, and the importance of fostering safe, respectful learning environments where registrars can grow. For new and experienced supervisors alike, this conversation offers insights, reassurance, and guidance on navigating tricky boundaries to support both supervisors and registrars in staying on track together.   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.

    24분

소개

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.