Dr Jenny May

Dr. Jenny May has been with Peel Health Care since its inception in 2005. With over 25 years of experience as a General Practitioner in rural and remote Australia, Dr. May has developed extensive expertise in providing healthcare in areas where access to medical services can be limited. She has a wide range of interests in general practice, including women’s health, mental health, and evidence-based medicine.

Dr. May holds fellowships with both the Royal Australian College of GPs (FRACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM), reflecting her dedication to advancing healthcare in rural communities. Additionally, Dr. May serves as a GP Supervisor for registrars, helping to train and guide the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.

She is also a passionate advocate for rural health services and has contributed to various research, advocacy, and advisory groups focused on addressing rural health challenges.

In addition to her clinical role at Peel Health Care, Dr. May serves as the Betty Fyffe Chair of Rural Health and Director of the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health. In this position, she oversees undergraduate teaching activities, research, and evaluation in both the joint medical program and allied health disciplines across a large rural region.

Dr. May has actively participated in research and advocacy initiatives concerning rural health issues. Her research interests include improving healthcare delivery in rural communities, mental health support in remote areas, and the development of effective evidence-based practices for women’s health. Dr. May is deeply involved in evaluating rural health programs and has contributed to policy development to enhance rural health service accessibility.

In addition to her role at Peel Health Care, Dr. May collaborates with various health organizations to improve the health outcomes of rural populations. Her extensive involvement in rural health research has allowed her to shape policies aimed at addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural Australians.

• 2014: Awarded Rural Doctor of the Year by the Rural Doctors Association of Australia

• 2016: Recognized for "Excellence in Rural Healthcare" by the Australian Medical Association

• 2021: Nominated for "Rural Health Advocate of the Year" by the Rural Doctors Association of Australia

Dr. May’s contributions to rural healthcare and medical education have been instrumental in shaping rural health policy and practices. She has co-authored research on chronic disease management and mental health care in rural areas. Dr. May has also published works on improving access to healthcare in underserved rural regions, with a focus on preventive medicine and early intervention. As the Director of the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, she plays a key role in developing educational programs that prepare healthcare professionals for work in rural communities.

Her leadership in these areas has been recognized nationally, and she is a regular speaker at rural health conferences, contributing valuable insights on how to improve health outcomes for rural populations.