Two Victorian GPs recognised in state women’s honour roll
28 Sep 2026
Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis was recognised as a ‘change agent’, while Dr Naba Masad Alfayadh was named an ‘emerging leader’ at a ceremony in Melbourne this month.
The two doctors were among 27 women and gender-diverse people inducted into the 2026 Honour Roll. The group also included professionals from areas such as law, education, science and hospitality.
Associate Professor Simonis was recognised for her work supporting women’s leadership in medicine and helping drive changes across healthcare.
Her work has included research into female genital cosmetic surgery, which challenged stigma and misinformation. She has also contributed to the National Action Plan for Endometriosis, cervical screening reforms and menopause policy.
The Honour Roll recognised her work in bringing women's health issues into public discussion and improving health literacy.
Associate Professor Simonis said the recognition showed how GPs can make a difference beyond their clinical work.
She said her areas of expertise developed from seeing gaps in the health system and advocating for patients who may not be well represented, including marginalised women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Dr Alfayadh was recognised for establishing four social equity ventures. One of these is Rahma Health, which provides support and information to Arabic-speaking families during the first five years of a child’s life.
Rahma Health has reached 400,000 people in Victoria and six million people worldwide through its online resources.
The Honour Roll recognised Dr Alfayadh’s work in improving antenatal education and supporting stronger connections between parents and children.
Dr Alfayadh moved to Australia from Iraq as a child. This year, she has also expanded her work in women’s health, including collaborating with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health on period-related information for her community.
She said the work had been meaningful because it helps women better understand and connect with their bodies.
Victorian Women and Gender Equality Minister Gabrielle Williams congratulated the 2026 inductees at the ceremony and recognised their leadership and service to Victorian communities.
More than 800 women and gender-diverse people have been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women since it began in 2001.
Two Victorian GPs recognised in state women’s honour roll
Source: Victorian Government — Victorian Honour Roll of Women; RACGP newsGP.