Celebrating the success of the inaugural MED NORRTH conference

On 16 August, the inaugural MED NORRTH (Northern Outcomes in Regional Research, Translation, and Health) conference convened at the Townsville Yacht Club, bringing together medical students, junior doctors and early-career researchers from across northern Australia.  

Hosted by NQRTH in partnership with JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry and the Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC), the event provided a focused forum for presenting new findings, exchanging ideas and building research capability. 

Guided by the theme “Building Research Skills to Advance Regional Health in Australia,” the program highlighted practical, evidence-based approaches to improving health outcomes in regional, rural and remote communities.  

Through oral and poster presentations, panel discussions and structured networking, participants engaged with peers and mentors, strengthened professional connections and showcased the breadth and excellence of emerging research in the North. 

Medicine Impact Research Advisor Susan Wright said the event showcased a diverse range of research topics, including telehealth, medical education, and clinical outcomes.  

“Events such as MED NORRTH foster meaningful networking opportunities, helping attendees build connections and potential collaborations with peers, mentors, and experienced researchers,” Ms Wright said.   

“This exposure strengthens research confidence and enhances career development by boosting CVs and research profiles which are key assets for many specialist training pathways.”  

Best Poster winner Anna Duan said the strength of the event was its welcoming, skill-building atmosphere.  

“For students and junior doctors, it created space to learn about research in our own region, to hear about methods and approaches that aren’t always taught in textbooks, and to see how questions can be tackled from different disciplines,” she said. 

“The panel discussions were thoughtful, and the networking opportunities were invaluable. It also reminded me that research isn’t solitary, it’s something we do together. I’d love to see more of these events in the future.” 

Best Oral Presentation Runner-up Dr Lauren Bosley also hailed Med NORRTH a huge success. 

“It was inspiring to see the incredible research that colleagues at all stages of their medical careers are engaging in,” she said. 

“Events like this are great opportunities for those of us more junior to research like myself, to network with potential supervisors and receive feedback from colleagues. I definitely hope there are future events.” 

For second-year JCU medical student Fitsum Abay, who claimed the People’s Choice Award, the conference was a leap that paid off. 

“Presenting at MED NORRTH was nerve-racking at first, especially presenting alongside people far more qualified than me, but it turned out to be a really positive experience,” he said. 

“Everyone was supportive, and there was such a wide range of interesting projects being shared.

"Winning the People’s Choice Award was very encouraging and being recognised by people you admire was empowering.”  

2025 AWARD WINNERS 

Best Oral Presentation: Sarah McDonnell (MBBS Honours student) 

Runner-Up, Best Oral Presentation: Dr Lauren Bosley (Intern) 

Best Poster: Anna Duan (MBBS student) 

People’s Choice Award for Best Oral Presentation: Fitsum Abay (MBBS student) 

A huge congratulations to all presenters and prize-winners, and sincere thanks to our sponsors Miga, Mater Research, and ACRRM, as well as every attendee, mentor and organiser who made this inaugural MED NORRTH a success. The momentum is real and it’s helping shape the future of health research in the North.