Journalists wanting to speak to an ACRRM spokesperson are invited to contact Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or email.
Wellington and Coonabarabran Rural Generalist Dr Jean Littlewood has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine's (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide this October.
Dr Littlewood is one of a select group of Rural Generalists from across Australia chosen to participate in the program, which supports doctors committed to strengthening rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare.
The conference will be held at Mt Lofty Estate in South Australia from 18–20 October 2026, immediately before the annual Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) conference.
Dr Littlewood says she is honoured to have been selected for the program and is looking forward to developing her leadership skills alongside colleagues from across the country.
"Rural health offers incredible opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people's lives," Dr Littlewood says.
"I love meeting people, hearing their stories and being part of their healthcare journey. “RG Medicine allows you to build strong relationships with communities while providing diverse and rewarding clinical care."
"I'm passionate about encouraging others to consider careers in RG Medicine because of the unique professional and personal rewards it offers."
Dr Littlewood works has completed Advanced Specialised Training in Population Health, while also serving as a Medical Officer in the Australian Army.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated leadership across clinical, educational and organisational settings. She has been involved in developing and delivering teaching programs within rural emergency departments, mentoring junior doctors and fostering a culture of continuous learning in resource-limited environments, and working as an ACRRM medical educator.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Littlewood's selection reflects her commitment to improving healthcare for rural Australians and her potential as a future leader within the profession.
"Dr Littlewood exemplifies the dedication, innovation and community focus that make Rural Generalists such important leaders in rural Australia," Dr Martin says.
"The Emerging Leaders Conference provides an opportunity for talented doctors to develop the leadership skills, networks and confidence needed to influence healthcare policy, education, service design and advocacy.
"By investing in emerging leaders like Dr Littlewood, we are helping ensure communities like Wellington and Coonabarabran continue to benefit from strong clinical leadership and high-quality healthcare."
Dr Littlewood says she is excited to bring new ideas and insights back to the communities she serves.
"Strong leadership is essential to improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural and remote Australia," she says.
"I'm looking forward to learning from experienced leaders, sharing ideas with fellow Rural Generalists and bringing those lessons back to western NSW."