Encourages questions and exploration.
Dr. Jonathon Wills holds the position of Senior Professional Practice Fellow at the University of Otago's Centre for Rural Health, part of the Division of Health Sciences. He co-convenes the postgraduate paper GENA 723 titled Trauma and Emergencies in Rural Settings, contributing to the Rural Postgraduate Programme. Stationed at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde, New Zealand, Dr. Wills integrates his clinical experience with teaching to prepare healthcare professionals for the unique challenges of rural medical practice. The Centre for Rural Health focuses on rural health education, training, and support, collaborating with rural hospitals to deliver specialised programmes.
In addition to his academic role, Dr. Wills is the Clinical Director and Senior Medical Officer at Dunstan Hospital, overseeing clinical services for Central Otago and the Upper Clutha regions. The hospital hosts University of Otago Year 5 medical students for their full-year rural immersion training. Dr. Wills recently completed a sabbatical in Rarotonga, which reinvigorated his leadership in stabilising the hospital's senior medical officer team. He co-presented at the Rural Health Conference in Christchurch in 2025 alongside Dr. Jenny Maybin on topics related to workforce preferences for rural doctors trained in rural hospital medicine and general practice. Furthermore, Dr. Wills received the RNZCGP Fellowship in 2020, recognising his achievements in general practice. He has also participated in the National Rural Health Conference 2024 as a rural hospital specialist and specialist GP. Through media engagements, he has highlighted the need for enhanced after-hours care in rural communities. Dr. Wills' multifaceted career exemplifies dedication to advancing rural healthcare delivery and education in New Zealand.
