Rural Doctor in Training shines with national recognition
A dedicated clinician from Coonabarabran has been honoured with a premier national award, underscoring the impact of rural health advocacy and the role of Rural Generalists in Australia. Dr Jean Littlewood, in her final year of training to become a Rural Generalist and a regular rugby union player, was announced as the Rural Doctor in Training of the Year Award 2025 recipient at the Rural Medicine Australia (RMA25) Conference Dinner in Perth last Friday night.
From small-town roots to national recognition
Raised on a farm between Tamworth and Gunnedah and educated at a tiny primary school in Somerton, Dr Littlewood’s pathway to medicine reflects a deep commitment to rural communities. She recalls early inspiration from teachers in rural towns and, more concretely, from a local general practitioner in Manilla whose decades-long service and patient-centered care left a lasting impression.
“I’ve always known I wanted to contribute to healthcare, but I didn’t think I could get into medicine on my first try,” Littlewood said. After a first attempt, she pursued a Degree in Medical Science before securing entry to medicine the following year. Her journey took her from study in Sydney to Port Macquarie and back inland to Dubbo, where she trained under the mentorship of experienced rural clinicians.
Mentors, training, and a holistic approach to care
Dr Littlewood credits a string of skilled rural doctors with shaping her approach to patient care. In Wellington she trained with Dr Ian Spencer, a pillar of the community for 50 years, whose example helped mold her philosophy of medicine and character. Today she continues her training in Coonabarabran with Dr Aniello Ianuzzi, described as both a capable clinician and a skilled wine and pasta maker—an emblem of the well-rounded life many Rural Generalists lead.
Her rationale for choosing Rural Generalist medicine centers on holistic care: “I can treat the person as well as the pathology, and I can support my community in both general practice and the hospital setting.” This holistic view is a hallmark of rural health, where clinicians often wear multiple hats and serve as a bridge between primary care and hospital services.
Advocacy and shaping the pathway for junior doctors
Beyond her clinical duties, Littlewood has been a vocal advocate for rural health. As a member of the RDA NSW Management Committee, she played a pivotal role in securing a fairer pay and support framework for rurally based junior medical officers undertaking metropolitan rotations. The policy change aligned remuneration and support, easing a barrier that had previously deterred rural doctors from pursuing city-based training opportunities.
Her leadership extended to coordinating orientation weeks and Destination Rural events that illustrate the breadth of career paths available in Rural Medicine. She has also spoken at rural medical careers forums to inspire students to consider becoming rural doctors, fostering a new generation of clinicians who can sustain remote and regional health services.
Rural medicine and the culture of community rugby
Dr Littlewood’s commitment to rural life extends beyond medicine into sport. She has played rugby union at a representative level in New South Wales, including with the NSW Country Rugby Union Corellas and various Central West, Central North and Mid North Coast teams. She says country rugby mirrors rural medicine: diverse players with different strengths working together toward a common goal. The philosophy fits the Rural Generalist ethos of multi-disciplinary, community-minded care.
The broader significance of the award
RDAA President Dr Sarah Chalmers lauded Littlewood as a dynamo whose early advocacy will benefit many aspiring rural doctors. The award recognizes her work across medical training, advocacy, and community engagement, illustrating how a dedicated early-career clinician can shape policy, improve training pathways, and enhance patient care in rural Australia.
What this means for the future of rural health
Littlewood’s win highlights a broader push to strengthen rural health infrastructure: boosting placements for junior doctors in rural settings, ensuring supportive pathways for those choosing country practice, and aligning metropolitan training opportunities with rural work realities. As rural hospitals continue to evolve, champions like Dr Littlewood provide a blueprint for mentoring, advocacy, and compassionate patient care that benefits rural communities for years to come.
About the award
The Rural Doctor in Training of the Year Award 2025 recognizes a trainee who exemplifies commitment to rural health advocacy, community engagement, and a clear path to becoming a Rural Generalist doctor. Dr Littlewood’s record of leadership and service makes her a fitting recipient.
