John Richards Memorial Scholarship Program
John Richards Memorial Scholarship Program
The John Richards Memorial Scholarship Program has been established to support one participant from the Pacific region each year, by funding their travel, accommodation and registration to attend the ETM Course in Australia.
The scholarship is valued at up to $6,500 AUD per participant and includes funding to cover the cost of:
- 1 x ETM Course registration, valued at $3,599 AUD
- Return economy-class airfares to course location
- Accommodation (up to a maximum of 4 nights)
- Transport to and from the course venue
Eligibility requirements and application details are available below.
About John
JR was an ETM Instructor and Course Director who joined our team in 2015, and sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2023.
We were so fortunate to have had John on our faculty. He helped initiate our first course on the Sunshine Coast and was an enthusiastic promoter of ETM to the wider critical care and aeromedical community in Queensland.
John’s commitment to ETM and his insights into trauma education and the way we deliver it has directly contributed to the ongoing growth and success of our course. We would not be where we are today without him.
John was passionate about education and in particular, access for those in less developed neighbouring regions in the Pacific.
With the kind permission of JR’s family we have titled the scholarship program in his name to honour his legacy as a brilliant educator and brilliant human being who left an indelible impression on all who met him.
Eligibility/requirements
Scholarship applicants must be from one of the specified Pacific Island nations. The nations included in the 2026 Scholarship round are Timor-Leste, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
- Applicants must be Emergency Doctors only.
- Applicants must have completed post‑graduate training, or have at least two (2) years of clinical experience working in a local Emergency Department.
- Successful candidates must provide a letter of support/release from their Department Head confirming approval to attend the ETM Course.
Selection criteria
The ACEM Global Emergency Care Committee will decide on the successful recipient after an assessment of all applications.
The successful applicant will be notified by the Emergency Trauma Management Team.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Commitment to the Field: A proven interest and active involvement in emergency medicine practice, research, or clinical education.
- Leadership Potential: Clear evidence of leadership qualities within their current workplace or professional community.
- Impact & Application: Current engagement in work or study that will measurably benefit from the skills and knowledge gained by attending the ETM Course in Australia.
Detailed Scholarship Terms and Conditions are available here. (PDF)
Key Dates
- The 2026 funding round will open on July 1st and closes on August 15th 2026.
- Successful applicants will be contacted in mid to late September 2026.
How to Apply
Complete your application, by clicking on the ‘Apply Now‘ button below
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