Dr Thomas Drake-Brockman has been awarded the Australian Medical Association’s 2026 Diversity in Medicine Award for their outstanding contribution to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the medical profession and the broader healthcare system.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said Dr Drake-Brockman has demonstrated sustained leadership across medicine, policy development, education and clinical care, working to create a profession that is more inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of both doctors and patients from diverse backgrounds.
“Dr Drake-Brockman has made a significant contribution to improving inclusion in medicine through practical action and principled advocacy,” Dr McMullen said.
“They have been a tireless advocate for a medical profession that values and supports people from all backgrounds, and for a healthcare system that delivers safe and respectful care for everyone.
“Through their leadership, policy work and clinical practice, they have helped ensure the voices and experiences of diverse communities are heard and reflected across the profession. Their work has strengthened medicine for both doctors and patients, and the AMA is proud to recognise their contribution with this year’s Diversity in Medicine Award.”
A rural generalist registrar in Western Australia, Dr Drake-Brockman has held a range of leadership and advocacy roles, including as AMA (WA) Doctors in Training Co-Chair, where they championed issues affecting women doctors, parents, international medical graduates, doctors with disability, and LGBTQIASB+ doctors and patients.
They continue to contribute through leadership roles in the AMA and the broader community, including as President of the Rural Doctors Association of WA, Chairperson of Transfolk WA and a Director of Pride WA. Dr Drake-Brockman has also helped shape national and state policy on LGBTIQA+ health and inclusion through advisory roles with the Australian and Western Australian governments.
Dr Drake-Brockman said they were honoured to accept the award.
“I'm grateful to the AMA for this recognition, and to my many colleagues and fellow advocates who are working to ensure that healthcare in Australia is safe and welcoming for everybody,” Dr Drake-Brockman said.
“We know that parts of our community and our profession face historical and ongoing discrimination in healthcare settings.
“This includes women, LGBTQIA+ people, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds, and migrants.
“To change this requires the collective effort of individuals, our profession, institutions, and governments.
"It is a basic right in Australia to have access to safe and dignified healthcare, and for healthcare workers to have a safe and respectful workplace.”
The AMA’s Diversity in Medicine Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in medicine and improving the experiences of doctors, patients and communities.
