Medal of the Order of Australia OAM
Dr Pillay recognised in the Australia Day Honours 2025

Adelaide-based surgeon, author, and advocate Dr Samantha Pillay has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her outstanding contributions to urology. As South Australia’s first female urological surgeon and a tireless advocate for women’s health, Dr Pillay has dedicated her career to improving the lives of patients, particularly those affected by urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence affects a quarter of Australian adults, yet approximately 60% suffer in silence without discussing their symptoms with a doctor. Dr. Pillay sees this award as a platform to amplify the conversation around this issue, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek treatment.
“Urinary incontinence isn’t just a medical condition—it’s a quality-of-life issue that impacts dignity, self-esteem, and relationships,” said Dr. Pillay. “This recognition provides a much-needed spotlight on a condition that affects millions yet remains shrouded in silence. It’s time to change that.”
Dr Pillay’s efforts to tackle this stigma include creating the award-winning short film An Incontinent Truth and studying AI filmmaking to share impactful stories. She plans to launch an AI-driven film studio, aifilm4good, dedicated to creating films for positive social impact.
A multi-faceted advocate for change, Dr Pillay is also the author of the Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book series, aimed at inspiring children to dream big and pursue meaningful careers. The next installment in the series is due in late 2025.
“This award isn’t just about recognizing my past achievements,” said Dr. Pillay. “It’s a call to action to do more—to inspire, educate, and innovate for a better future.”
Dr. Pillay’s journey as a trailblazer extends beyond urology. As a leader in gender equity, she continues to break barriers in male-dominated fields, leveraging her experiences to inspire others to overcome challenges and aim for the extraordinary.