Director| Coonabarabran
Dr Jean Littlewood is our newest and youngest Board Director and we are grateful for the different perspective Jean brings to our Board discussions.
Jean is a rural GP working in Western NSW.
Jean has been the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) NSW Registrar Liaison Officer and was also the Doctors in Training representative for the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA).
Being a Rural Generalist is about being brave and serving your patients and community in the best way you can. There is a huge range of knowledge and skills that you must possess to get the best outcomes for your patients, even though some may not always be your strength.
- Dr Jean Littlewood
Jean grew up on a small farm nestled between Tamworth and Gunnedah in rural New South Wales. Her early years were shaped by the rhythms of country life, attending a local small school before heading to high school in town. While in high school, her parents encouraged her to undertake work experience with their local GP — the same doctor who had cared for her since birth.
During her time at the practice, Jean would often keep patients company while the GP attended hospital emergencies. The doctor’s labrador was a familiar presence in the clinic, and the nurses she met during morning hospital rounds left a lasting impression with their warmth and kindness.
After finishing school, she moved to Sydney to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor—but rural Australia never left her heart.
Skip forward a few years and Jean is a graduate of the University of NSW having spent time in Sydney and the Port Macquarie rural clinical school. She is now working in Coonabarabran as a GP and GP Visiting Medical Officer.
Jean is on the verge of completing her ACRRM fellowship and is studying for a Master of Public Health through the University of NSW.
Awards, Honours, and Accolades
Doctor of Medicine
University of New South Wales
Emergency Medicine Certificate
Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
Fellowship Education Program Registrar Representative
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
NSW Registrar Liaison Officer
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
Rural Doctor in Training of the Year Award 2025
Rural Doctors Association of Australia
Spirit of Country Rugby Award
NSW Country Rugby Union Representative Team
Jean’s freely admits that a career in rural medicine is both challenging and deeply rewarding. “It’s a tough path,” she admits, “but the small moments—laughing with patients, helping improve their quality of life—those are the things that give my work meaning.”
Currently based in Coonabarabran, Jean is completing her final year of training while working in both general practice and the local hospital. Jean was awarded the RDAA Rural Doctor in Training of the Year in 2025.
She describes the town as “a lovely community” set against the stunning backdrop of the Warrumbungle National Park. But it’s the people—her colleagues and the broader health team—that make it truly special.
Jean is candid about the challenges of rural medicine. “Boundaries can be tricky—knowing where your professional life ends and personal life begins.” She also highlights the broader systemic issues facing rural health, particularly the decline in primary care services. “Primary care is the backbone of our health system, especially in rural areas. We need sustainable, face-to-face care that truly supports our communities.”
Her hope for the future? “To see functional, sustainable primary care in every rural town. To build strong teams that care for communities without unnecessary duplication or bureaucracy. That’s the dream.”
Outside of medicine, Jean is a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. She loves sport, gardening, camping, and building things around her house. But her biggest passion? Rugby. “I play 15s rugby union with other country girls—they’re my other family. And yes, tackling is my favourite part!”
Jean’s personal health journey has given her a unique perspective on the challenges rural Australians face. “Accessing care can be tough, especially when you know most of the local health professionals. I rely on telehealth for my own GP appointments—it’s important to maintain that professional distance.”
Her family has been a constant source of support throughout her career, and she’s mindful of the impact her work has on them. “Being a rural doctor is a lifestyle—it affects everyone around you. But I’m lucky to have a village of support.”
Jean first encountered the Rural Doctors Foundation at a Rural Medicine Conference, where she was inspired by the work being done in disaster relief and community support. “Meeting the founders—rural generalists I admired—was incredibly motivating. I knew I wanted to be part of it.”
Now, as a board member, Jean is excited to help expand the Foundation’s reach into communities like her own in western NSW. “Volunteering with the Foundation is a culmination of everything I’ve learned and believed in. I want to connect more people with the Foundation and help it grow so it can support rural doctors and communities across Australia.”
Her passion, experience, and vision for rural health are a perfect match for the Foundation’s mission—and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make.