Dr Samantha Pillay

Surgeon, entrepreneur, author and educator

2022 SA Australian of the Year Nominee

Studying medicine at the University of Adelaide, Dr Samantha Pillay became the first woman in South Australia to complete the adult Urological Surgical training program. She was the first Australian to sub-specialise exclusively in female and functional urology.

Samantha has since established her own sub-speciality practice, Continence Matters, after recognising a need to focus on incontinence treatments and special care for women in South Australia.

An advocate for public health, education and financial security, Samantha wants to remove the stigma of incontinence by engaging and educating doctors, health professionals and the community.

She’s served on numerous boards and committees, including as Chair of the Female Urology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, from 2007 to 2013.

Samantha is also a best-selling author, and she often writes articles on taboo issues like incontinence, alcohol consumption and the glass ceiling for female surgeons.

Samantha has never let physical limitations from congenital hip dysplasia hold her back.