Alasdair B MacDonald

The environments in which General, Acute and Emergency Medicine have evolved in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have differed significantly. As a result of this, the development and the role of Acute Medicine have also had significant contrasts but there are also many similarities and opportunities for shared learning. We are now in a position to look maturely at our services and allow a little constructive ‘compare and contrast’. Confidence in our own models means now we can each embrace diversity rather than believe one size fits all – not just across the world but also in our own backyards.