Canberra GP Dr Clara Tuck Meng Soo Retires from Practice After Long Career
22 Apr 2026
Dr Soo is a transgender woman and long-time advocate for LGBTQIA+ health. While she is no longer seeing patients in general practice, she will continue her advocacy work and leadership roles in healthcare.
She will stay involved as a practice principal at East Canberra General Practice, which provides gender-affirming care. She will also continue her role on the ACT Government’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Oversight Board.
Dr Soo said she plans to slow down but may still take on opportunities where she feels she can contribute meaningfully.
Born in Malaysia, she moved to Australia in 1989 and built her medical career in Canberra. She became known for supporting patients who often face barriers in the health system, including transgender people, refugees, people with drug dependence, sex workers, and ex-prisoners.
During her career, she also held leadership roles in transgender health organisations and became the first openly transgender president of the Australian Professional Association for Transgender Health.
She said she is encouraged by more young LGBTQIA+ doctors entering the profession and believes they will continue improving care for these communities. She also highlighted the importance of supportive GP colleagues.
In 2024, Dr Soo received the Australian Medical Association’s Diversity in Medicine Award. In 2021, she returned her Order of Australia Medal in protest, which drew wider attention to her advocacy.
Even after retirement from practice, Dr Soo says she will continue speaking out for people who still face challenges accessing inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (newsGP)