I am Dr. Jane George, an independent researcher, consultant, and advocate specialising in rural health workforce development in Aotearoa New Zealand. My work focuses on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities in recruiting and retaining allied health professionals.
My journey in rural healthcare leadership began with Te Tai o Poutini West Coast, where I served as Associate Director of Allied Health in 2016 before becoming Director of Allied Health, Scientific, and Technical from 2019. During this time, I witnessed firsthand the significant challenges in building and maintaining a stable allied health workforce in rural communities.
These experiences motivated my doctoral research, which explored what truly attracts and retains allied health professionals in rural settings. By interviewing allied health professionals across Aotearoa, I uncovered the factors that influence their decisions to work rurally and developed 20 actionable recommendations for improving recruitment and retention. My research highlights three critical themes:
Today, I collaborate with universities across New Zealand and Australia on research initiatives that advance our understanding of rural health workforce challenges. As a keynote speaker and consultant, I work with rural health systems and organisations to implement evidence-based strategies that strengthen their workforce planning, recruitment, and retention efforts.
My approach is informed by my background as a registered social worker and my extensive experience leading health workforce initiatives in both Aotearoa and the UK. I bring a relationship-centred perspective to my work, believing that successful healthcare initiatives depend on strong connections and open communication between all stakeholders.
Throughout my career, I've observed how urban biases shape healthcare planning, policy, and delivery in ways that often fail rural communities. I advocate for approaches that recognise the unique context of rural practice and challenge the assumption that urban models can simply be transplanted to rural settings.
I've seen the incredible resilience and ingenuity of rural communities responding to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. These communities build networks and resources through hard work and goodwill, pulling together to support one another when systems fall short. Their stories reinforce my commitment to ensuring that geographical location never determines quality of care.
My vision is for a healthcare system where rural communities have reliable access to the full range of health professionals, and where those professionals feel valued, supported, and engaged in meaningful work. I believe in the power of interprofessional collaboration and continuous learning to transform healthcare delivery.
Through my research, speaking, and consulting work, I strive to amplify rural voices in health system design and policy. I'm dedicated to creating pathways that connect the right professionals with rural communities, supporting them to develop fulfilling careers while delivering excellent care.
When we get rural workforce right, we create the conditions for better health outcomes for all communities, regardless of geography.