New Zealand Rural Health Leader Dr Jo Scott-Jones to Deliver Prestigious John MacLeod Oration

Media Release

2 September 2025

Dr Jo Scott-Jones, one of New Zealand’s most respected rural health leaders, has been selected to deliver the John MacLeod Oration at the 2026 WONCA World Rural Health Conference, to be held in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The John MacLeod Oration is a distinguished international recognition in rural medicine, acknowledging exceptional contributions to advancing healthcare for rural communities. Previous orators include prominent figures in rural health, such as Professor Ian Couper, Professor Roger Strasser, John Wynn-Jones, Bruce Chater, and Dora Bernal.

Dr Scott-Jones has been at the forefront of rural health in New Zealand for over three decades. A general practitioner in Ōpōtiki since 1992, he has combined frontline practice with national leadership roles, including as the Chair of the Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand and Chair of the Rural General Practice Network. Currently, the Clinical Director for Pinnacle Midlands Health Network, he is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and a Fellow of WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors).

His career has been defined by a commitment to equity, culturally safe care, and the training of future rural health professionals. Through his leadership roles, Dr Scott-Jones has also helped shape national policy for rural healthcare, promoted equitable and culturally safe care, and mentored the next generation of rural health professionals.

“I am honoured to deliver the John MacLeod Oration at the WONCA rural conference,” said Dr Scott-Jones.

“It is an opportunity to reflect on the life of John MacLeod, a founder of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice, and the legacy he left, which is one of warmth, connection, and a fierce passion for rural communities.

To be selected by the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice is an acknowledgement of the contribution they feel I have made to developing Health for All Rural People. To follow in the footsteps of past orators and global rural health pioneers is incredibly humbling.”

The Oration honours the life and work of Dr John A. J. MacLeod, a pioneering Scottish rural doctor and founder of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice. Known for his professional excellence and deep personal commitment to rural communities, Dr MacLeod was a mentor and inspiration to colleagues worldwide until his passing in 2009.

It is the first time that New Zealand will host this prestigious global event. The 2026 WONCA World Rural Health Conference highlights the country’s leadership in rural health innovation and advocacy.

About the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference

The 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference will be held from 10–13 April 2026 at the Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wellington, Aotearoa, New Zealand. Hosted by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, the conference is a premier international event dedicated to advancing healthcare in rural communities worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.ruralwonca2026.com.