A number of doctors and nurses have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, with awards acknowledging significant contributions to medicine, research, education and patient care across Australia.
Among those recognised was Dr Leon Pitchon, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine as a plastic surgeon, as well as to the arts through philanthropy.
Anatomy and education were also represented, with Dr Fiona Elder Stewart receiving an AM for significant service to anatomy as a surgical clinician, researcher and educator, as an academic, and to the community.
Several clinicians were recognised for contributions to medical research and subspecialty care, including Dr Brian Maxwell Tress for neuroradiology and diagnostic imaging, and Professor Nicholas Manolios for service to medicine in the field of immunology and rheumatic diseases.
Paediatrics, oncology, cardiology and women’s health were also represented, with honours awarded to clinicians including Dr John Arthur Allan, Dr Colin Glenn Begley, Professor Andrew Paul Sindone and Dr Joseph Chun Ming Tam.
Nursing leadership was also recognised. Professor Robyn Daneale Gallagher was honoured for distinguished service to nursing academia and cardiovascular health, while Emeritus Professor Dianne Gaye Wynaden received recognition for significant service to academic and clinical mental health nursing.
Other medical honourees recognised this year include:
- Professor Nicholas Lintzeris AM, acknowledged for his contribution to addiction medicine and clinical leadership.
- Dr Nicholas Medland AM – GP, physician and clinical epidemiologist with leadership in HIV and sexual health medicine
- Associate Professor Fiona Stewart AM – rural generalist surgeon and clinical anatomist
- Dr James Berryman OAM – recognised for long service to medicine
- Dr Victor Buccheri OAM – decades of service to community general practice
- Dr Gordon Campbell OAM – service across rural and international settings
- Dr Roberto Celada OAM – general practice and aged care medicine
- Dr William Gransbury OAM – rural health and sports medicine
- Dr Andrew Kwong OAM – community care and after-hours services
- Dr Ravin Sadhai OAM – men’s health and innovative practice models
- Dr John Taylor OAM – rural general practice and community leadership
Collectively, the 2026 Australia Day Honours reflect the breadth and depth of contribution across Australia’s medical workforce, recognising sustained service in clinical care, education, research and community health.
