For over three decades, Jo has dedicated his life to serving the Ōpōtiki community, having built a deep connection with rural healthcare that has shaped his entire career. From the moment he stepped into rural New Zealand, Jo found himself in the heart of a community that needed him. His story reflects a commitment to improving healthcare in high-needs rural areas, and his work continues to inspire others in the field. This article traces Jo’s journey from his early days in medicine to his current advocacy for rural healthcare.
Jo’s journey into medicine began early. From a young age, he knew he wanted to be a doctor. In fact, his childhood ambitions didn’t include fantasies about being a train driver or an astronaut. His sole focus was always medicine. Growing up in a community where helping others was emphasised as a core purpose of life, Jo embraced the idea that service was not just a profession but a calling.
After his early training in the UK and Australia, Jo found himself in New Zealand in 1992, landing in Kawerau in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. He immediately realised the enormous need for medical professionals in the area, and the work he had trained for in his youth became an essential part of his daily life.
When Jo and his family moved to Opotiki, they entered a high-needs area where his medical skills were stretched to their limits. At that time, the town had a small rural hospital with just 30 beds, but the scope of care required by the community was vast. Jo found himself assisting with surgeries, providing intrapartum obstetrics, caring for babies in a level 2 nursery, and offering general inpatient care. The role also involved answering emergency calls, performing roadside rescues, and operating a full-scope general practice.
The work was demanding, but it was also fulfilling. Jo had the chance to use all of his skills in an area that truly needed them, and the community embraced his contributions. Beyond the professional satisfaction, Jo and his family fell in love with the area’s warm, welcoming nature. From surfing and sailing to bush walks and scuba diving, the lifestyle of rural New Zealand quickly became home.
While Jo’s medical career flourished, his personal life faced significant challenges, most notably the heartbreaking death of one of his children. In the midst of this profound loss, the community’s support and aroha provided an anchor for Jo and his family. Despite the deep pain, the support they received solidified their bond with the land, and they decided to put down roots in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
However, as Jo’s family responsibilities grew, his professional life began to shift. The healthcare system in rural areas underwent significant changes, including the closure of local facilities and services. Emergency services were reduced, and the hospital was eventually replaced with a new community centre.
Despite these cuts, Jo remained steadfast in advocating for his community, always pushing for the preservation of services. He saw the role of a doctor not only as providing care to the individual patient but also as an advocate for systemic improvements in healthcare. Over time, Jo’s work led him into health system thinking, service design, and leadership roles, including chairing the local Primary Health Organisation (PHO) and becoming involved in several key rural health networks.
Jo’s career trajectory took another sharp turn when he saw an advert for a Clinical Director position at Pinnacle Health. After a particularly challenging on-call weekend, Jo’s exhaustion led him to contemplate his future. The ad, asking “Is it time to hang up your stethoscope?” resonated with him, and he applied, even though he was unsure of what the role entailed.
Now in his role at Pinnacle, Jo loves the autonomy and the ability to influence the broader healthcare landscape. While still involved in his practice in Opotiki, where his partners and team manage the practice excellently, Jo focuses much of his time supporting over 85 practices across the North Island. His work at Pinnacle has allowed him to contribute to improving outcomes for rural communities, including the 450,000 people they serve, many of whom are Māori living in rural areas.
Through his work at Pinnacle and in leadership roles, Jo has been able to contribute significantly to the improvement of rural healthcare. From advocating for rural health policy changes to influencing national health strategies, his work continues to make an impact on both a local and national scale. Despite the challenges that come with the role—such as administrative work that can be soul-crushing—Jo finds immense joy in making a difference for rural communities. As he continues his work, his message is clear: rural healthcare is about people, and people are what keep him motivated to continue.
Jo also shares his insights and updates on healthcare through the New Zealand General Practice Podcast, which he co-hosts with Dr. Dave Maplesden. Together, they produce monthly clinical snippets covering key changes in clinical care in Aotearoa New Zealand. The podcast is a great way to stay up-to-date on important developments in the field. You can listen to the New Zealand General Practice Podcast on the Mobile Health Hub or through all major podcast outlets.
Listen to the latest episode here.
