About SAPMEA

SAPMEA is a not-for-profit organisation with a long-standing commitment to strengthening medical education and supporting the health workforce.

We work at the intersection of education, clinical practice and workforce engagement, partnering with organisations and health professionals to design and deliver practical, high-quality learning experiences.

Our approach is collaborative and solutions-focused, bringing together expertise in program design, education delivery and stakeholder engagement to create programs that are relevant, well-structured and easy to implement in real-world settings.

Our Vision

To be a leading provider of innovative healthcare education in Australia.

Empowering medical and health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver exceptional care. We envision a future where continuous learning drives excellence across the healthcare system, improving outcomes for individuals and communities nationwide. Through collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to best practice, SAPMEA strives to shape the future of healthcare education.

Our Mission

Deliver quality, relevant education and foster networks that enhance healthcare practice across Australia.

We achieve this by creating engaging, evidence-based learning opportunities that support the professional development of medical and health professionals nationwide. A key focus of our work is addressing workforce challenges—particularly in rural and remote areas—by tailoring education to the unique needs of the health workforce and the communities they serve.

SAPMEA is committed to understanding the broader context of healthcare delivery and ensuring our programs align with the challenges facing the workforce. We believe that strong, collaborative relationships with healthcare professionals and volunteers are vital to creating lasting impact. By fostering these connections, we strengthen the capacity and resilience of Australia’s healthcare system.

Our History

SAPMEA originated in South Australia in 1897 as a voluntary group; meeting as the first Permanent Committee of the British Medical Association.

By 1928, that Committee had reconstituted to become the Postgraduate Committee in Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Adelaide, with the University assuming responsibility for the Committee’s administration, salaries and funding.
In 1976, with the new Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University Medical School open and operational, the Postgraduate Committee became incorporated as the South Australian Postgraduate Medical Education Association (SAPMEA).
Foundation members of SAPMEA included nominees of the Minister of Health, the two Universities, the Medical Board of South Australia, and the Australian Medical Association (SA).