From City Roots to Rural GP Excellence: Dr James McLeod’s Journey
05 Dec 2025
Dr James McLeod grew up in Adelaide, yet he always felt drawn to the life of a country doctor. Today, he is the inaugural recipient of the RACGP Rural Generalist of the Year award, a recognition of his dedication to rural medicine and the communities he serves.
"I’ve always loved going out to the countryside," Dr McLeod told newsGP. "Somehow I knew I wanted to be a rural GP."
His passion for rural general practice was nurtured during his studies at Flinders University, where mentorship and hands-on experience cemented his path. A pivotal year in Renmark during his third year gave him invaluable exposure, confirming his commitment to rural medicine.
Over a decade ago, Dr McLeod returned to Renmark in far north-east South Australia as a fully qualified GP. He now serves not only as the town’s local GP but also as an emergency department consultant at the Riverland General Hospital.
Receiving the award left him humbled:
"I was a bit stunned, but I’m grateful it highlights the rural generalist specialty," he said. "There are many incredibly talented rural doctors out there providing exceptional care. It’s great to see rural generalists gaining recognition and prestige."
Beyond patient care, teaching is a central part of his role. As a clinical educator at Flinders University, Dr McLeod emphasizes the importance of mentoring future generations of doctors:
"Education is a way of giving back," he explained. "It also keeps your own knowledge sharp—students often ask challenging questions, which pushes you to stay ahead."
For those considering rural general practice, Dr McLeod offers practical advice:
"Do at least one rural rotation. Usually, there are more positions than registrars, so it’s easy to try a six-month term. See if it fits for you—rural medicine is a fantastic career."
He also stresses the importance of building strong support networks:
"Without a reliable clinical team, hospital colleagues, social contacts, and friends or family, it would be very challenging to do this job."
Dr McLeod’s journey demonstrates that you don’t have to grow up in the bush to thrive as a rural GP—you just need passion, dedication, and the right support.
News Source: RACGP
