Rural Doctor in Training of the Year 2025: A rising star in rural health
A dedicated medical trainee from Coonabarabran has been celebrated for her relentless work in rural health advocacy and her commitment to serving remote communities. Dr Jean Littlewood, in the final year of training to become a Rural Generalist, was named the Rural Doctor in Training of the Year 2025 at the Rural Medicine Australia (RMA25) Conference Dinner in Perth last Friday night. Her win shines a spotlight on the important role of rural clinicians who balance generalist care with community leadership.
From a small farming town to the national stage
Jean Littlewood grew up on a farm between Tamworth and Gunnedah and attended a tiny primary school in Somerton. She recalls tales from her parents, both teachers, about the vibrant characters in rural towns and how those stories inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. A pivotal moment came during a placement at a general practice in Manilla, where a seasoned Rural Generalist treated patients with genuine care and a long-standing connection to the community. That experience helped crystallise her dream of a rural medical career—one in which she could know and treat people beyond their illnesses.
A determined path to medicine
Jean didn’t secure medicine on her first try. She completed a Degree in Medical Science first and gained admission the following year. Her training journey took her from Sydney and Port Macquarie to Dubbo, Wellington and beyond. Along the way, she learned from exceptional mentors at Dubbo Hospital and from the esteemed Dr Ian Spencer in Wellington, who has served the community for five decades. Today, she continues her RG Registrar studies in Coonabarabran under the guidance of Dr Aniello Ianuzzi, who is known for both clinical prowess and a passion for rural life.
What drives her work in rural health
“I love Rural Generalist Medicine because I can look after my patients in a holistic way—the person as well as the pathology—and I can serve my community in both the clinic and the hospital,” Jean says. Her philosophy centers on meeting people where they are and understanding their backgrounds, a hallmark of effective rural care. The award signals more than personal achievement; it highlights the broader need to support junior doctors who want to train and practice in rural settings.
Advocacy and policy impact
Beyond her clinical work, Jean has played a leading role in rural health advocacy. As an active member of RDA NSW, she helped secure a fairer pay and accommodation framework for rurally-based junior medical officers during rotations in metropolitan hospitals. The policy change ensures equal remuneration for JMO rotations, removing a disincentive to rural training. Her work also includes coordinating orientation weeks and Destination Rural events, designed to showcase the diverse career paths in rural medicine to junior doctors and students.
Rugby and rural medicine—parallels on and off the field
Jean is also a committed rugby union player, representing NSW Country and various regional teams. She draws a parallel between country rugby and Rural Medicine: both require teamwork, adaptability and a shared goal of serving the wider community. Her coach-like outlook on patient care mirrors the discipline and camaraderie of the sport she loves.
A future trusted to lead rural health
In congratulating Jean, RDAA President Dr Sarah Chalmers praised her as a dynamo whose advocacy will inspire countless junior doctors to pursue rural careers. Jean emphasizes the importance of supporting junior doctors as they explore rural placements, with flexible work models and robust professional support to encourage long-term commitments to rural communities. Her victory is a reminder that strong rural health ecosystems rely on dedicated individuals who combine hands-on care with thoughtful leadership.
The message for aspiring rural doctors
Jean urges new doctors to sample rural general practice early, seek mentors, and engage with rural health policy discussions. The path she champions is one of balanced clinical practice, community engagement, and career flexibility—an attractively holistic model for the next generation of rural General Practitioners and Rural Generalists.
