Associate Professor Charlie Corke appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Associate Professor Charlie Corke appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Associate Professor Charlie Corke has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday honours, recognising his outstanding contributions to intensive care medicine, medical education and end-of-life care.

Throughout his career spanning nearly four decades at Barwon Health, A/Prof Corke has inspired and led generations of junior doctors through national training programs, bedside teaching, innovative communication frameworks and has championed end-of-life care.

A/Prof Corke says he is honoured to receive the recognition and has been driven by passion throughout his acclaimed career.

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by passion to care for patients and to support and guide the next generation of doctors,” A/Prof Corke said.

“Teaching junior clinicians how to navigate the ethical, emotional and human side of medicine, especially around end-of-life care, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my work.”

Innovative tools and frameworks developed by A/Prof Corke have helped create effective dialogue in critical care environments at University Hospital Geelong, fostering strong communication when it matters most.

“Good communication is central to patient care, trust and decision-making,” A/Prof Corke said.

“Helping young doctors learn how to speak clearly, listen deeply and show empathy is one of the most important things we can do.”

A/Prof Corke is a former president of the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand and is widely acknowledged as a leading voice in end-of-life care.

A/Prof Corke has authored various books on the topic of end-of-life care and was the lead subject in the 2010 ABC documentary ‘In The End’’.

He was integral in the implementation of Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation and served for six years as the deputy chair of the VAD Review Board.

During his time on the VAD Review Board, A/Prof Corke helped shape ethical healthcare policy in Victoria while also volunteering with Open Heart International, offering life-saving care to children in need across the Pacific.

A/Prof Corke is a committed philanthropist and has been involved in numerous Rotary projects that have improved access to healthcare through the Pacific region.

His contributions to Rotary projects saw him nominated as a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow.

In recent years, A/Prof Corke has helped Goulburn Valley Health review and redesign their intensive care services in Shepparton and became their director of medical education.

For many years he has provided medical coverage to his local urgent care centre in Apollo Bay, allowing general practitioners to take leave.

A/Prof Corke has also demonstrated a commitment to conservation and community service through his work with the Conservation Ecology Centre, reflecting a dedication to not only healthcare, but societal wellbeing and the environment.

Associate Professor Corke’s tireless dedication, leadership and service to our community sees him as a richly deserved recipient of this prestigious honour.