Our Board
Associate Professor
Alam Yoosuff (Chair)
Alam is a rural GP from Finley NSW with particular interests in public health, palliative care and emergency medicine. Alam has been working as the principal GP at Finley Reginal Care and GP/VMO at Finley Hospital since 2008. He is passionate about providing better health outcomes to rural remote communities in the region.
Christine Howard
Christine is the Director of Charles Sturt University’s Three Rivers Department of Rural Health. With more than 30 years’ experience working in rural health, Christine has diverse executive health management and leadership experience. She is passionate about the Murrumbidgee region and improving rural health outcomes.
Sophie Ryan
Sophie is a strong believer in equitable healthcare. Serving as CEO of Sony Foundation, Sophie has worked closely with hospitals, Government and corporates to fund projects which are delivering better health outcomes. She also has a legal background and strong foundations in governance and strategic thinking. Sophie is passionate about improving access to services in the region and helping MPHN create sustainable health solutions for regional communities.
Paul Gianniotis
(Treasurer)
Paul is the director of a livestock equipment company, with a background in project management. Paul is passionate about addressing the challenges faced in delivering effective integrated health care to our significant region. He also has broad involvement in the local business and sporting communities.
Rene Pennock
Rene is an experienced health sector consultant, who has worked extensively with allied health, nursing and medical professionals. Formerly the CEO of South Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Rene has qualifications in physiotherapy and gerontology, and is committed to improving the health of the communities he serves.
Ryan Bulger
Ryan is a Gundagai-based General Practitioner, Visiting Medical Officer at Gundagai Hospital, and lecturer at UNSW Rural Medical School. A proud First Nations rural GP, he advocates for culturally appropriate healthcare and stronger connections between providers and Indigenous communities. Ryan’s vision is an equitable, effective health system that positions MPHN as a national leader.
Dr Jacques Scholtz
Jacques is a GP obstetrician in Cootamundra who’s also interested in family health and a strong voice for palliative care provision. He participates on MLHD and MPHN committees and is the principal/owner of a large general practice. He stands for equitable healthcare across all segments of society and works towards an integrated primary healthcare model.
Peta Larsen
Peta, an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, and has held senior health management positions across acute, primary health and community settings providing leadership to health professionals. With a passion to improve health and wellbeing, Peta contributes to clinical quality and safety as a member of the LiveBetter Clinical Governance Committee and the LikeMind Wagga consortium.
Dr Rachel James
Dr Rachel James is a Deniliquin‑based Rural Generalist Obstetrician with ten years’ experience working and training across the Murrumbidgee region. She works across general practice, hospital inpatient care and maternity services, and is actively involved in clinical leadership, training and workforce development. Dr James has worked closely with MPHN through a range of clinical councils and committees and is committed to improving access, equity and quality of care for regional communities.