Melbourne-based neurosurgeon Dr Rondhir (Ron) Jithoo has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his decades-long service to neurosurgery, as part of the Australia Day 2026 Honours List announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Dr Jithoo, who is based in Kew, Victoria, has played a prominent role in public and private healthcare, medical education, defence medicine and international surgical outreach. He has served as a consultant neurosurgeon at Alfred Health since 2010 and previously held leadership roles including Acting Head of Neurosurgery and Surgical Training Supervisor.
His career also includes senior positions at Epworth Hospital, where he was Deputy Chair of Neurosciences and a member of the Clinical Audit Committee, as well as teaching on the Definitive Surgical Trauma Course with the International Association of Trauma Societies for two decades.
Dr Jithoo has made significant contributions to surgical standards and training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, serving as a postgraduate examiner, audit committee member and regional representative. He is also Chief Medical Officer at Mulgrave Private Hospital and continues to practise across several Victorian and interstate hospitals, including Royal Darwin Hospital.
Beyond civilian medicine, Dr Jithoo has had a distinguished career with the Australian Defence Force. He served as a reserve combat neurosurgeon with a US Army forward surgical team during Operation OKRA in the Middle East and holds the rank of Wing Commander in the Royal Australian Air Force Specialist Reserve. His defence roles have included advisory appointments to the Chief of Army and representation at NATO medical officers’ conferences.
His national and international impact extends to health policy and diplomacy, with appointments as a statutory adviser to the Federal Health Minister on traumatic brain injury, a member of the Veterans’ Review Board, and lead neurosurgeon for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Fiji Surgical Program.
The Australia Day 2026 Honours List recognises 949 Australians — more than 200 additional recipients compared with last year — across the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and distinguished and conspicuous service honours.
“On my second Australia Day as your Governor-General, I am delighted to announce the Australia Day 2026 Honours List,” Ms Mostyn said, noting the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system was marked throughout 2025.
“The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care.”
Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at Government House in their respective states and territories in coming months to formally receive their insignia.
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