Ōpōtiki GP Jo Scott-Jones is to receive one of the highest international honours in rural health.

Dr Scott-Jones has been selected as this year’s recipient of the John McLeod Oration, to be delivered at the 2026 WONCA World Rural Health Conference in Wellington.

The Oration recognises outstanding lifetime contribution to rural health and commemorates the legacy of Dr John McLeod, a global pioneer of rural general practice and founding member of Rural WONCA.

Dr Scott-Jones has worked as a rural GP in Ōpōtiki for more than 30 years, combining frontline clinical practice with national and international leadership.

He is widely respected for his advocacy for equitable, culturally safe care and for strengthening the rural health workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.

He has held key leadership roles including inaugural chair of the Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, chair of the Rural General Practice Network, and clinical director at Pinnacle Midlands Health Network.

He is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and a Fellow of WONCA.

“This honour reflects Dr Scott-Jones lifelong commitment to rural communities and his belief that where you live should never determine the care you receive,” said Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

The WONCA World Rural Health Conference is being held in Wellington from April 10 to 13, 2026, bringing together over 900 rural health leaders from around the world.