Supervisors’ Compass

What sets a registrar up for success in a new placement, and how can supervisors lay the groundwork for a productive and trusting learning relationship? In this fifth episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays explore the crucial first few weeks of supervision, a period that can shape the entire training placement.

They discuss why these early weeks matter so much, how to establish a safe and supportive learning environment, and the importance of clarity around expectations, communication, and help seeking. Drawing on insights from supervisors at the recent AC...

Duration: 00:18:47

What should supervisors do when a registrar’s learning progress is slower than expected? In this fourth episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are joined by Dr Emily Moody to discuss how supervisors can recognise and respond when progress seems to stall.

They explore common causes such as distraction, workload, wellbeing, and learning styles, and share practical strategies for observation, feedback, and building self-awareness. The discussion also touches on performance anxiety, the role of support networks, and the value of taking a long-term view of each registrar’s unique...

Duration: 00:24:36

What happens when supervision steps outside the box? In this third episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are joined by Dr Dan Manahan to explore creative, “funky” approaches to supervision — the different, sometimes unconventional ways that help build connection, confidence, and joy in learning.

Drawing on their combined experience across rural general practice, medical education, and supervisor support, the conversation delves into how playfulness, trust, and shared experiences — from theme days to bushwalks — can strengthen relationships and create richer learning environments.

They discuss how context shapes supervision...

Duration: 00:20:16

Where do the boundaries lie in supervision, and how do we handle it when things get blurred? In this second episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays unpack the complexities of professionalism, boundaries, and the challenges of “walking the line” in rural and remote medical practice.

Drawing on their combined experience in supervision, rural generalism, and medical education, James and Richard discuss how overlapping roles — supervisor, employer, colleague and even treating doctor — can create complexities, particularly in smaller communities. They share practical strategies for setting clear expectations, role-modelling professionalism, and suppor...

Duration: 00:23:37

What makes supervision rewarding, what makes it challenging, and what happens when things don’t go to plan? In this first episode of the ACRRM RG podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best speaks with Professor Richard Hays about the good, the bad, and the ugly of supervising registrars on the ACRRM Rural Generalist pathway.

Drawing on their extensive experience in rural medicine, medical education, and supervisor support, Richard and James talk about the rewards of mentoring, the energy and perspective registrars bring to a practice, and the collegiality found within a supportive community of practice.

They...

Duration: 00:19:26