Celebrating exceptional women at the RMH

The program celebrates outstanding Victorian women who demonstrate leadership and excellence in their field or community.

Prof Drummond, Director of Neurosurgery at the RMH, was inducted into the Trailblazer category for her leadership in the neurosurgical field, including her research, innovation and mentoring.

Only around nine per cent of neurosurgeons are women, a figure Prof Drummond is passionate about changing.

Prof Drummond has led important work at the RMH and with other collaborators, helping reshape the understanding and treatment of brain tumours and benefiting patients around the world.

She also developed the Central Nervous System Tumour Database, cataloging data, tissue and blood from more than 5,000 patients for global research and advancement.

Prof Drummond says she is humbled to be inducted.

Dr Emma O’Brien, Head of Music Therapy at the RMH, was inducted as a Change Agent for bringing transformation into the role of music therapy in Australian healthcare.

Dr O’Brien established the RMH’s Music Therapy Department almost 30 years ago - one of the first and longest continuously running hospital-based programs in Australia.

She is also head of the RMH Scrub Choir, which formed during the COVID-19 pandemic and united healthcare workers across the globe through song.

Dr O’Brien says elevating the achievements of women and gener diverse people in leadership is essential, a honour she is proud to represent.

“It is important for women to see other women in leadership rolls, to see that there truly is a supportive path to get there, and that what they have to offer is valued and needed,” Dr O’Brien says.

Congratulations to both Prof Drummond and Dr O’Brien on your outstanding achievement and thank you for your leadership at the RMH and in the wider community.