Credential in Rural and Remote Health

Dr Vicki Robertson grew up in Fife in a medical household and was inspired early on by the dedication and impact of general practice. She studied medicine at the University of St Andrews and Glasgow, graduating in 2016, before completing foundation training across Ayrshire and Glasgow.

Vicki went on to gain experience in emergency and acute medicine, volunteered as an expedition medic in Tanzania and Belize, and completed GP training in Kilmarnock alongside a diploma in tropical medicine and hygiene. Her Acute Rural Fellowship in Skye helped her find a role that combined the breadth of general practice with the pace and challenge of emergency medicine.

Now working as a rural emergency physician in Oban, Vicki has built a career that reflects her wide-ranging skills, personal values and commitment to a balanced, fulfilling professional life.

Reflecting on reasons for undertaking the Credential, Vicki said: 

“I undertook the Rural and Remote Health Credential because I wanted formal recognition of the distinctive skills and experience required in rural practice. Rural and remote medicine demands breadth, adaptability and confidence, often developed through significant dedication and experience outside traditional structured training routes. For me, the credential reflects my commitment to providing high-quality, safe and effective care in this setting”.

“For my community, I hope it helps build confidence in the rural workforce and highlights the professionalism and value of clinicians working in remote settings. I also see it as an important step towards clearer, more structured pathways for future doctors who are interested in rural and remote medicine”.

“I am proud of the role I have worked towards and feel fortunate to work in rural and remote medicine. It requires a broad and distinctive skillset, often developed through dedication and experience outside a structured training pathway”.

“The Rural and Remote Health Credential provides important recognition of that work, acknowledges the expertise of clinicians in rural settings, and supports clear standards for safe, appropriate care. I hope it also helps create more structured training routes for future doctors who want to work in this field”.

To find out more about the credential learner and recognition routes, visit NHS Education for Scotland’s Credential in Rural and Remote Health | Turas | Learn.