Credential in Rural and Remote Health

David Cookson has been awarded the GMC Credential in Rural and Remote Health (Unscheduled and Urgent Care) through NHS Education for Scotland (NES) via the Recognition Route. He is a Rural Emergency Physician at Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban, where he supports the delivery of emergency care for local communities and island populations across the West of Scotland.

Since graduating from the University of Birmingham in 2008, David has developed a broad and varied career across general practice, pre-hospital emergency medicine and rural emergency care. Alongside his work in NHS Highland, he continues to contribute to high-acuity pre-hospital services across the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire, including as a BASICS Doctor, MERIT Consultant, HEMS Consultant and Strategic Medical Advisor.

David brings expertise in point-of-care ultrasound, resuscitation and medical education. He holds the Fellowship in Immediate Medical Care (FIMC) by examination and is Faculty Accredited as a Consultant in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, lectures at the University of Lincoln and teaches on national trauma and resuscitation courses.

Reflecting on his career path and the connection between pre-hospital and rural emergency care, David said:

“Moving into rural emergency practice in Oban reinforced for me how closely connected pre-hospital and rural emergency medicine are. Both require adaptability, clear communication and strong non-technical skills, alongside the clinical judgement to manage major trauma, sudden critical illness and complex transport challenges in remote and rural environments.”

Reflecting on his reasons for undertaking the Credential, David said:

“I wanted to set myself a meaningful professional challenge. The Credential gave me a structured way to bring together experience gained across specialties, health systems and countries, and to reflect on how that experience supports safe, effective care for patients in rural and remote settings. The Recognition Route also helped me review my practice, identify educational priorities and focus my final learning.”

For David, the Credential provides valued recognition of the skills, judgement and resilience required to deliver unscheduled care in rural and remote communities. It also helps highlight the importance of rural emergency generalism within the wider healthcare system.

“Working in Oban gives me the opportunity to practise true emergency generalism while being part of a close-knit rural team and community. It is a privilege to contribute to care in a place where relationships, teamwork and local knowledge make such a difference.”

Outside medicine, David values time with his young family, including his three children and their dog, Rosie. He also enjoys sailing, hiking and music, making the West Highlands a natural fit both professionally and personally.

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.