Congratulations to Associate Professor Michelle Telfer, Chief of Medicine at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) who has been named by the Australian Human Rights Commission as a finalist for the 2025 Human Rights Medal. 

Assoc. Prof. Telfer was chosen as a finalist for her advocacy for trans and gender-diverse young people and for shifting the national conversation towards including compassion and evidence-based care. 

A paediatrician, and expert in adolescent medicine, Assoc. Prof. Telfer brings courage and compassion to every aspect of her work, and her leadership has been instrumental in improving the research and clinical care of all children, in particular trans and gender diverse children and adolescents. 

Simply put, the work she leads saves lives, and we couldn’t be prouder of this nomination. 

Associate Professor was named alongside fierce advocates for justice, self-determination and climate, with the winners to be announced on 12 December.