General News
17 October, 2025
GP selected for leading role
INNISFAIL doctor Sabiena van Es has been selected to attend a prestigious national leadership program for rural doctors, hosted by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Dr van Es, a rural generalist at Innisfail Hospital, is one of a small group of doctors chosen from across Australia to attend ACRRM’s Emerging Leaders Conference on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island, WA) from October 19 to 21.
The event brings together emerging rural leaders to share experiences and strengthen their leadership skills within a rural health context.
Dr van Es said she looked forward to connecting with others who understood the unique challenges of delivering healthcare in remote and rural settings.
“One of the biggest challenges in rural medicine is sustainability – staying well, supported and connected while working in relative isolation,” she said.
“I hope to take what I learn back to my hospital and team and help us continue growing into the best team we can be.”
Dr van Es is one of the obstetricians supporting Innisfail Hospital’s midwifery group practice model, which has been shown to improve outcomes for women and babies, particularly in First Nations communities.
She is also part of a local contraception clinic that operates weekly in Innisfail, providing access to Mirena insertions and contraceptive care that would otherwise require patients to travel more than 100km or face lengthy hospital waitlists.
“Timely access to reproductive healthcare is essential in rural communities,” she said.
“It’s rewarding to be part of a service that makes it easier for people to get the care they need close to home.”
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin said the college was proud to support rural doctors like Dr van Es who were dedicated to improving care in their communities.
“Sabiena is a great example of the next generation of rural leaders – driven, community-focused and already making an impact,” he said.
Read More: Innisfail