The Consumers Health Forum (CHF) has put forward a submission for the Medical Board of Australia's consultation on the recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine as a new field of specialty practice within the current specialty of General Practice. The consultation invites feedback on a joint application from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). 

CHF supports the recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine which aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural and remote areas. However, we call for careful implementation, ongoing consumer engagement, and detailed evaluation strategies to help ensure benefits for rural and remote consumers.