At the beginning of a new chapter

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Rikard Moen
Chair of the Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare

The Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) has marked a significant milestone with the initiation of its second membership phase, having invited applications for its Membership and Fellowship awards.

The inception of the Faculty was prompted by identified needs across industry, public healthcare and the charity sector to establish, evaluate and uphold proficiency standards in delivering remote, rural and humanitarian healthcare on a global scale.

The Faculty extends support to organisations, and medical and non-medical personnel engaged in healthcare delivery within remote, rural and humanitarian settings through a comprehensive array of professional standards activities and services.

In 2020 the Humanitarian division of the Faculty was inaugurated, gaining substantial reinforcement through an official collaboration with UK-Med, the sole emergency medical team accredited by the World Health Organization in the UK. This collaboration paved the way for the Faculty’s first educational offering, the Introduction to Humanitarian Healthcare course, which contributes to enhancing awareness and comprehension of the requisite standards in humanitarian healthcare delivery within the broader healthcare community.

With the introduction of assessed Membership and Fellowship, this next chapter in the Faculty’s history presents a long-overdue opportunity for professionals in these specialised sectors to earn global recognition and acknowledgement for the vital roles they play.

The Faculty is committed to advancing the status of healthcare professionals in remote and underserved areas, and aims to further professionalise and champion the efforts of those dedicated to serving these communities.

The Faculty welcomes a diverse combination of Members and champions – the next generation of professionals in these fields as well as professionals from emerging economies and resource-limited countries. The Faculty’s success will rely on the diversity of membership within its decision-making bodies. Representation from a multitude of different healthcare systems and healthcare contexts will ensure the Faculty is able to design services and make informed decisions that support those working across remote, rural and humanitarian healthcare.

Honouring professionals

Applications for assessed Membership and Fellowship went through a rigorous evaluation process, with peers considering candidates based on the evidence provided and their contributions to the development of remote, rural and humanitarian healthcare. The overwhelming response to the call for applications underscored the necessity of acknowledging and honouring the professionals dedicated to these critical sectors.

Granting postnominals to accomplished Members and Fellows stands as one of the foremost honours granted by the College. Coupled with the chance to participate in an RCSEd diploma ceremony, this underscores the esteemed stature of these advanced Faculty tiers. The criteria for achieving Membership and Fellowship of the Faculty, alongside the FRRHH Capabilities Framework, will guide individuals in their careers and continual professional development.

The Faculty wishes to express its pleasure in awarding 47 Fellowships and 13 Memberships during the inaugural round of applications. Successful candidates demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, embodying the spirit of the Faculty’s mission to elevate standards of healthcare in remote and challenging  environments.

The Faculty takes pride in introducing some of its first Fellows and Members, acknowledging their remarkable commitment to improving healthcare delivery in remote and underserved areas.

“Successful candidates demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise”

New Fellow Jay Evans developed and deployed an antenatal and postnatal care coordination system for community health workers using structured SMS in Nepal. He also deployed this in one of the largest antenatal care digital health projects in Asia that is directly funded via the communities it serves.

He is now working with state governments in Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango in Mexico on deployment of a similar system in remote First Nations communities.

New Fellow Martine Scott serves as Programme Manager in the multiple workstreams of the NHS Highland Being Here pilot project and the Scottish Rural Medicine Collaborative. In addition to her professional role she has helped on a voluntary basis to transform the Rural GP Association of Scotland into a professional organisation, supporting rural and remote general practice. 

She also became a member of the Rethinking Remote working group, delivering a highly successful international conference as well as supporting collaborative work across agencies in supporting rural health in Scotland.

Impact amid conflict

New Member Hussaini Abba Disa established the Dental wing of non-governmental organisation Smile Mission, which was founded in response to addressing healthcare challenges exacerbated by the Boko Haram insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria. The organisation conducts medical outreaches, and offers dental treatments, vaccinations and maternal health services. Smile Mission empowers local communities through healthcare training and establishing health centres, aiming for sustainable
impact amid conflict.

The FRRHH remains steadfast in its commitment to recognising, empowering and celebrating the professionals who play a crucial role in delivering healthcare to such a diverse range of populations. As the second membership phase has proved successful, the stage is set for an even brighter future.