National Rural Health Commissioner

Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart was appointed as the second National Rural Health Commissioner for Australia in July 2020.  She brings to this role nearly 30 years of work as a rural generalist doctor with the advanced skills of a general practice obstetrician and 20 years’ experience in rural medical education.

Professor Stewart lives in the rural and remote town of Roma in Queensland. She has extensive experience in the field of rural health, including roles as:

• Associate Professor of Rural Medicine and Director of Rural Clinical Training (James Cook University College of Medicine and Dentistry)
• Senior Medical Officer at Mareeba Hospital and Thursday Island Hospital
• Director of Medical Training with the Queensland Rural Generalist Program
• President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (2016 to 2018)
• Board member for rural hospitals and regional training providers.

See more about the work of the Office of the Rural Health Commissioner.

Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner