AFMW is delighted to acknowledge the contributions of medical women around Australia who were awarded in the Australia Day Honours 2026.
I have not confined the list to those who are members of AFMW, and apologise in advance if any name has been inadvertently omitted. It has been pointed out that the majority of medicos honoured this year were male and of all the GPs acknowledged NONE were female. I am convinced that this does not accurately reflect the contributions made by medical women to our country and challenge you all to consider nominating a deserving colleague for future awards. I am indebted to the journalistic team at AusDoc for the information provided.
Professor Anne Buist AO
Psychiatrist | Victoria
Professor Anne Buist is a clinician, researcher and academic specialising in perinatal mental health. She has led efforts to embed evidence-based screening and treatment for depression and anxiety in pregnancy and the postpartum period into routine care. Married to novelist Graeme Simsion, she has also written novels under the pseudonym Simone Sinna.
In 2015, she began to publish mainstream crime novels, with protagonist Natalie King, a forensic psychiatrist with bipolar disorder. She said their themes were often based on those she had encountered in real life.
“I want all my characters, even the ones that are doing bad stuff, generally, to be sympathetic,” she once said in an interview. Speaking of her clinical career, she said: “I love the unknowns, the grey, trying to make sense of the why and understand people.”
Dr Anita Bourke AM
Radiologist
Associate Professor Anita Bourke has made significant contributions to radiology, both as a clinician and through her commitment to community service.
Her work includes advancing imaging diagnostics and supporting access to quality radiology services in underserved areas.
She is recognised for combining clinical expertise with advocacy for equitable healthcare delivery.
Dr Susan Jacobs AM
Obstetrician and gynaecologist | Sydney, NSW
Dr Susan Jacobs has been a prominent figure in women’s health, specialising in O&G. Her career encompasses clinical excellence, education, and advocacy for improved maternal and reproductive health services. She has a particular interest in the impact of pregnancy and childbirth upon the whole self. She also has a longstanding interest in improving Aboriginal women’s health, running a weekly gynaecology clinic in Redfern in Sydney for 23 years to facilitate access to culturally appropriate specialist care.
Professor Shirley Jansen AM
Vascular surgeon | WA
Professor Shirley Jansen is a vascular surgeon recognised for her clinical expertise and research contributions to vascular surgery. Through her research she has championed innovations in minimally invasive techniques and surgical education. Her leadership extends to mentoring young surgeons and participating in national efforts to improve vascular care delivery. She has published over 160 research papers and chapters and raised over $14 million for research.
Dr Fiona Stewart AM
Surgeon | NSW
Dr Fiona Stewart has significantly impacted surgical education and practice, particularly in anatomy and clinical research. She is known for her commitment to training surgeons and improving community health outcomes. Leaving school to work at 13, she rode as a jockey and worked as a wool classer and ‘expert’ while undertaking correspondence education, matriculated, studied veterinary science and medicine. Her academic roles have helped bridge the gap between research and clinical application.
Clinical Professor Lesley Cala OAM
Radiologist | WA
Clinical Professor Lesley Cala has made significant contributions to tertiary education in radiology. Her academic career has been marked by dedication to teaching and training the next generation of radiologists, particularly focusing on the integration of imaging techniques into clinical practice. Her work has strengthened radiology education programs and enhanced clinical training standards across multiple institutions.
Dr Brenda Masters
President, AFMW
Dr Brenda Masters is a Canberra GP, President of the AFMW (2024-2026).
Brenda grew up in rural SA, studied Medicine in Adelaide, and has worked in Practices around the country before settling in our beautiful National Capital over 20 years ago.
Brenda is keenly involved in the Medical Women’s Society of ACT and Region, a group who provide both networking and peer support. She believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to realise their full potential in life and applies this to both her work and her relationships.
Brenda enjoys gardening and singing in her spare time and tries to make the most of Canberra’s proximity to the snow.