A lifetime of connection and contribution

After decades contributing to primary healthcare across the Murrumbidgee, Dr Jane Goddard has stepped down from her role with Murrumbidgee HealthPathways. 

For Dr Goddard, involvement has never been about recognition. It has simply been part of being a GP. 

“Whatever you’re involved in, you should be participating and contributing, you shouldn’t just be taking,” she said. “I don’t know that I’ve been particularly innovative, but I like to think I’ve facilitated or supported a certain number of initiatives.”  

That understated description belies a long contribution. Jane was involved with the former Division of General Practice, served on numerous clinical and advisory groups and, in 2018, became one of the original GP Clinical Editors for Murrumbidgee HealthPathways. In 2025-2026, she also developed the national Chlamydia HealthPathways in collaboration with subject matter experts from ASHM.  

HealthPathways particularly resonated with Dr Goddard because it brings reliable, localised information to clinicians when they need it and connects them with services across the health system. 

“We can’t all be an expert in every area,” she said. “We can go to this resource on our medical desktop and then we can see, okay, who do I refer to? What do I need to do first? What resources can I give my patient? It’s all there – it’s a fantastic tool!”  

Asked to nominate her greatest contribution, Dr Goddard again resisted the spotlight. 

“I think it’s all about communication and connection. I think that’s probably my biggest thing. I’m a communicator.”  

MPHN thanks Jane for her decades of generosity, commitment and service. Her contribution can be seen not only in the pathways, committees and initiatives she helped shape, but in the stronger connections between clinicians and services across the Murrumbidgee. As Jane steps back from HealthPathways, that legacy of sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and making healthcare work better for patients will continue.