Dr Tony Brown

Dr Anthony (Tony) Brown has been a rural and remote generalist for over 30 years. Tony was attracted to rural medicine because he loves the down to earth nature of rural people. He enjoys making a difference to their health outcomes. Passionate about improving First Nations health, he was also up until recently, the Executive Director of Medical Services for Torres and Cape Hospital. Tony moved into governance and policy to be able to help change outcomes on a broader scale. While still caring for individuals, he believes we should address the inequity in access, resourcing, and outcomes that he sees in his community. Tony is passionate about helping communities and rural health professionals find solutions for their own health service delivery. 

Tony’s background

For 22 years Tony was a Practice Principal in rural Victoria. Following this, he moved to North Queensland. Here he took up a position as the Hinterland Hub Medical Superintendent for Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. Tony has recently moved to Roma to take up the position of Chief Executive with South West Hospital and Health Service. He loves being a true generalist, serving the needs of his community. It’s this ability to change health outcomes that Tony thinks is the best thing about rural medicine, so you can really make a difference. Tony has special interests in Obstetrics, Medical Administration and Sports Medicine.

Contributions

Tony has served as a Director of Rural Doctors Foundation Ltd since 2016. Currently, he is also Chair of the Grants Committee for Rural Doctors Foundation. He has also served as a member, director, or chair for a range of organisations. These includes rural and remote Queensland and Victorian public and community organisations and committees including:

• Executive member of the Queensland Clinical Senate (2017 – 2022)
• Member of the Statewide Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Network (2017 – 2022)
  

Family and interests

Tony is incredibly proud of his family. His wife Ruth Stewart is the Rural Health Commissioner. They also have four children. Hamish, an Electron Microscope expert.  Duncan, who has also been inspired to enter Rural General Practice. Grace, who is an Olympic road cyclist. And Lachlan, a mathematician. In his spare time, Tony enjoys the great outdoors and also loves remote adventuring.