Celebrating the RMH’s Victorian Honour Roll of Women inductees

Announced by the Minister for Women, the Honourable Natalie Hutchins, on Wednesday, Prof Gunn and A/Prof Kanhutu were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Victorian community.

Prof Gunn is the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and inaugural Chair of Primary Care research at the University of Melbourne, and has been a valued member of the RMH Board since 2021. She was recognised as a “trailblazer” for her commitment to research, medicine and public health.

"It’s just an amazing honour to be recognised and to be a part of an honour roll that includes so many remarkable women,” Prof Gunn said.

"It's also a chance to reflect on previous inductees of the honour roll, including some amazing women from our biomedical precinct such as Dr Constance Stone, Dr Lilian Alexander and Dr Helen Sexton, they are three of the most remarkable, courageous women in the medical field. 

"We are the beneficiaries of these women and their achievements."

A/Prof Kanhutu is an infectious diseases physician at the RMH, working in the Home Acute service, and was previously the Deputy Chief Medical Information Officer. She also works across cohealth, is Dean of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians and has an honorary position with the University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. She was recognised as a “change agent” for her commitment to public health and as a powerful advocate for health systems and gender equity.

A/Prof Kanhutu said the recognition and celebrations “epitomise the spirit of mutually assured success”.

“It’s so reinforcing to learn about the ways other people are leading across many sectors,” she said.

Prof Gunn and A/Prof Kanhutu will be honoured on Wednesday evening at a formal ceremony, alongside 19 other recipients.

They join an inspiring list of more than 750 women.

Congratulations to Prof Gunn and A/Prof Kanhutu on this exceptional achievement.