Dr Sally Cockburn, known nationwide as "Dr Feelgood," is a distinguished GP and health advocate who combines her medical expertise with a dynamic media presence to champion sensitive issues and demystify healthcare. Practicing part-time in suburban Melbourne, she leverages over 35 years of clinical experience to make a significant impact both in her community and across Australia.
As a General Practitioner, Dr Cockburn serves as a Consultant to Northern Health, Clinical Lead Partnerships, and sits on the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board in Victoria. Her academic contributions include her role as Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University. She also holds a Master's degree in Health and Medical Law from the University of Melbourne and collaborates with law firms on health-related cases.
Dr Cockburn's media career, spanning over two decades, includes work with every major Australian television network and top radio stations. She hosted "Talking Health" on Melbourne's radio 3AW, earning accolades such as the Radio Industry Award for Best Radio Documentary and the MBF Award for Excellence in Health Journalism. She was a health presenter on "Good Morning Australia" with Bert Newton for a decade and her trailblazing radio program "Pillowtalk" in the 1990s addressed sex and relationships. Additionally, she hosted her own talk-back TV show on Channel 7.
Passionate about community and patient issues, Dr Cockburn is deeply involved in health policy and education. She is a Lifetime Australia Day Ambassador for Victoria and was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2010 for her work in improving health communications through media. That same year, she received the Monash Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
Dr Cockburn has held numerous significant appointments, including Chair of Family Planning Victoria, board member roles with the Metropolitan Ambulance Service, VicHealth, the Victorian Government's Mental Health Reform Council, and the Sexual Health Task Force. She has also served on the Melbourne Zoo's Scientific Advisory Committee.
A patron and ambassador for various community organizations, Dr Cockburn supports the Royal District Nursing Service, Melbourne Osteoporosis Support Group, and Lort Smith Animal Hospital. As a proud rescue dog owner, she advocates for animal welfare alongside her health initiatives.
Committed to empowering the disempowered, Dr Cockburn stands against bullying and ensures that sensitive issues are addressed openly and effectively. No issue is too delicate or extreme for this dedicated doctor, whose blend of medical expertise and media savvy continues to benefit countless individuals and communities.
