Rural Doctor in Training of the Year 2025: A Local Triumph
A dedicated doctor training to become a Rural Generalist and a passionate rugby union player has earned national recognition for her advocacy and commitment to rural health. Dr. Jean Littlewood, in her final year of Rural Generalist training, was announced as the Rural Doctor in Training of the Year Award 2025 recipient at the Rural Medicine Australia (RMA25) Conference Dinner in Perth.
Roots, Roots, and a Drive to Serve Rural Communities
Jean grew up on a small farm between Tamworth and Gunnedah, attending a tiny local school in Somerton. Raised by two teachers, she says the stories from rural towns sparked her interest in healthcare and the potential to make a meaningful difference in remote communities. The moment that solidified her career choice came from her time at a local general practice in Manilla, where a seasoned Rural Generalist inspired her through his patient-centered approach and decades of local service.
Perseverance Leads to a Passion for Rural Medicine
Not entering medicine on her first attempt, Jean earned a Degree in Medical Science before securing a place in Medicine. Her journey carried her from Sydney to Port Macquarie and inland to Dubbo, where she learned from a host of dedicated clinicians. In Wellington, she trained under the mentorship of Dr. Ian Spencer, a rural clinician with more than 50 years of experience, whose guidance helped shape her approach to both medicine and community care.
A Modern Rural Generalist in the Making
Today, Jean continues her RG Registrar training in Coonabarabran under the tutelage of Dr. Aniello Ianuzzi. The awards committee highlighted her unwavering commitment to rural health advocacy and her active involvement in leadership roles on multiple boards and advisory groups. Jean’s work extends beyond clinical duties to policy and education, aimed at improving opportunities for junior doctors and strengthening rural health services.
Advocacy that Changes the System
As a member of the RDA NSW Management Committee, Jean played a pivotal role in achieving fairer remuneration for rurally-based junior medical officers (JMOs) who train in metropolitan hospitals. Her efforts helped ensure NSW policies provide equivalent pay and conditions for JMOs regardless of where their rotations take place, addressing a long-standing inequity that threatened the appeal of rural training pathways.
The Human Side of Rural Medicine: Holistic Care and Community Ties
Jean speaks warmly about the holistic nature of Rural Generalist medicine—caring for patients as people, not just their illnesses, and serving communities both in the clinic and in hospital settings. Her work emphasizes the need for more junior doctors to experience rural practice and feel supported when choosing to live and work in regional areas. She advocates flexible training pathways that accommodate modern work-life balance while maintaining high standards of care.
Beyond Medicine: Rugby as a Parallel to Rural Service
Outside her medical career, Jean is an accomplished rugby union player, representing NSW Country and other regional squads. She draws a parallel between country rugby and rural medicine: diverse players with different strengths collaborating to reach a common goal. Her on-field ethos mirrors her approach to healthcare: teamwork, resilience, and commitment to the community.
What This Award Means for the Future of Rural Health
RDAA President Dr. Sarah Chalmers lauded Jean as a dynamo whose advocacy will influence countless junior doctors and rural communities. Her story underscores the importance of creating supportive, flexible pathways into Rural Generalist medicine and investing in the people who choose to serve in regional Australia. As the community celebrates, the hope is that more junior doctors will follow Jean’s example and “go rural” with confidence and support.
A Look Ahead
With the 2025 award recognizing her early career achievements, Jean remains focused on expanding access to comprehensive rural care, mentoring new JMOs, and continuing to serve the people of Coonabarabran and surrounding towns. Her message to future rural doctors is clear: rural medicine is demanding but deeply rewarding when backed by strong communities, thoughtful policy, and leaders who will fight for equality in training and remuneration.
