Ensuring women and families can access quality maternity care close to home is a driving force behind the work of local Rural Generalist GP Obstetrician, Ensuring women and families can access quality maternity care close to home is a driving force behind the work of local Rural Generalist GP Obstetrician, Dr Volker Rockliff Boehm.
The Northern Rivers doctor has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide from 18-20 October 2026.
Working across Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Lismore and the Gold Coast, Dr Rockliff Boehm provides care in general practice, hospital obstetrics and maternity services. Originally from Germany, he moved to Australia in 2015 to pursue a career in rural medicine and says his passion for maternity care has been shaped by both his professional work and his experience as a father of four.
‘A key motivation for my leadership is my passion for maternity care, shaped by both my professional work and my personal experience as a father,’ Dr Rockliff Boehm said.
‘Being closely involved in the births of my children reinforced my belief in the importance of safe, respectful and accessible choices for women and families.’
The role of fathers
Dr Rockliff Boehm says he is keen to strengthen sustainable maternity services in regional communities and believes fathers also play a vital role in improving health outcomes.
‘I am particularly passionate about increasing fathers’ involvement throughout pregnancy and early parenthood,’ he said. ‘Supporting new fathers is an important way to improve long-term outcomes for children, families and communities.’
Dr Rockliff Boehm says Rural Generalist Medicine provides a unique opportunity to strengthen families and build healthier communities. Alongside his clinical work, Dr Rockliff Boehm is actively involved in medical student and registrar education and has contributed to clinical governance and service development through his work with Matrescence Birth Centres.
He says he’s looking forward to learning from fellow Rural Generalists and bringing new ideas back to the communities he serves.
‘For anyone who knows me, I have an insatiable desire to learn, innovate and meet new people,’ he said. ‘Ultimately, I want to continue improving my understanding so I can contribute, to the best of my ability, to my community now and into the future.’
1 Comment
That’s it, that’s the story. Where is the detail, what does he intend to do to actuallu help fathers? Whata fluff piece.