Dr Michael Rice
Dr Michael Rice
Chair | Beaudesert
MB, BS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP, FACRRM
Dr Michael Rice has enjoyed a long career as a rural generalist practitioner in Beaudesert. Anyone who knows him can see his passion for rural medicine. He has been Director and partner in the Beaudesert Medical Centre since 1994 and is a Senior Lecturer for the University of Queensland School of Medicine. He is currently a Visiting Medical Officer at Beaudesert Hospital and Senior Medical Officer at Mater Health Services (South Brisbane / Antenatal Clinic. Michael was appointed to Rural Doctors Foundation as outgoing President of RDAQ. He stayed to contribute to better health outcomes for rural communities. Michael’s interest in rural medicine began early in his career. At this time he trained in Beaudesert as a GP Registrar in 1990 as part of his rural rotation. It was a great learning experience mentored by engaging rural GPs, who were providing cradle-to-grave care.
As a quintessential rural generalist, Michael has special interests in a wide number of important areas. This includes women’s health, dermatology and skin cancer surgery. As well as medical education, palliative care, residential aged care. Plus inpatient care and accident and emergency medicine. Michael is also a Senior Lecturer at University of Queensland School of Medicine (Rural Clinical School).
Community
Michael loves the community of Beaudesert. It’s one of the closest bits of the country to a major capital. Surrounded by natural beauty and blessed with great local produce. “Too near and yet too far” he says of the community that always pulls together in times of need.
Interests
The family also have a busy kelpie/border-collie dog, some chickens, and occasional stray livestock. When he has time, Michael loves photography. Many of the photos of Rural Doctors Foundation events are often the work of Michael. He also enjoys some occasional astronomy and supporting scouting.
“Rural medicine is a special opportunity to work in an advanced scope of practice and provide whole-of-life care across a whole community and multiple generations.”
Family
Michael’s wife is a paediatric Occupational Therapist self-employed in private practice in Beaudesert. Their three sons grew up locally, attending local primary school and local or metro high schools. One is engaged in local Scouting and Lions. One is at James Cook University graduate working as a doctor in Cairns. While another is studying at University of Queensland, also with a view to a medical career.