John McLeod Oration
Renowned Rural Health Leader to Deliver John McLeod Oration
Dr. Jo Scott-Jones, a prominent figure in rural healthcare, has been chosen to deliver the John McLeod Oration at the 2026 WONCA World Rural Health Conference in New Zealand. The selection is a significant acknowledgment of Dr. Scott-Jones's contributions to rural health and places him among a distinguished list of past honorees, including Professor Ian Couper, Professor Roger Strasser, John Wynn-Jones, Bruce Chater, and Dora Bernal.
The Oration's Honoree: Dr. Jo Scott-Jones
Dr. Scott-Jones has dedicated a lifetime to rural healthcare in New Zealand. A general practitioner in Ōpōtiki since 1992, he has become a leading advocate and well-respected clinician. His contributions extend beyond his practice, he drove the formation of the rural health alliance Aotearoa New Zealand and as chair of the Rural General Practice Network.
As the Clinical Director for Pinnacle Midlands Health Network, Dr. Scott-Jones provides a voice for general practitioners on local, regional, and national bodies. He is also a passionate teacher and mentor, helping to train the next generation of rural doctors. His focus on equity within general practice and providing culturally safe care has been a hallmark of his work. His efforts have been recognized with significant honors, including the Distinguished Fellowship of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and a Fellowship of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA).
A Tribute to a Rural Health Pioneer
The oration is a tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. John A. J. MacLeod, a founder of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice. A beloved and iconic rural doctor, Dr. MacLeod dedicated 27 years to serving his community on the island of North Uist in Scotland. He was known for his fierce passion for rural communities, his professional excellence, and his ability to make people feel valued and welcome at conferences. According to a tribute published in the Rural and Remote Health journal, he consistently brought pragmatic realism to the group and was a great mentor to many colleagues. Dr. MacLeod died in 2009 at the age of 74, just two months after giving a keynote address at the WONCA 2009 Rural Conference in Crete.
Dr. Scott-Jones expressed humility and honor at the selection. "The oration is an opportunity to reflect on the life of John McLeod... and the legacy he left, which is one of warmth, connection, and a fierce passion for rural communities," Dr. Scott-Jones commented. "To be selected by the Wonca Working Party on Rural Practice is an acknowledgment of the significant contribution they feel I have made to developing Health for All Rural people."
The WONCA World Rural Health Conference is a key event for professionals dedicated to improving healthcare in rural areas globally. Dr. Scott-Jones's oration is expected to highlight the ongoing efforts and future challenges in this vital field, continuing the spirit of connection and dedication that John MacLeod embodied.