The University of Western Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of Emeritus Professor Bryant Stokes AO, one of Western Australia’s most distinguished medical leaders and a highly respected member of the UWA community.
Born in 1937, Professor Stokes attended Wesley College before becoming one of the first students to graduate from the newly established UWA Medical School in 1959.
After working initially at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) he became a demonstrator and then lecturer in Anatomy at UWA, simultaneously serving in the Royal Australian Airforce (Reserve) as Group Captain in Medicine (1965–1978).
After further study and neurosurgical training in Perth and Canada, Professor Stokes became a consultant at RPH in 1971, rapidly gaining attention for his skill in treating aneurysms arising on the arteries of the brain.
A remarkable four-decade career spanning clinical excellence, academic leadership and extensive public service followed, with Professor Stokes’ visionary leadership and life-long commitment helping to improve the quality and safety of health services in WA and Australia.
Recognised as one of the nation’s leading neurosurgeons, he worked as a consultant at RPH, Sir Charles Gairdner, Princess Margaret and Fremantle hospitals while serving on numerous medical advisory panels and committees, including as WA President of the Australian Medical Association (1982) and chair of the Western Australian Council on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2002–2009).
Professor Stokes held several significant roles within Western Australia’s health system, including Chief Medical Officer (1995–2001), Acting Commissioner of Health (2000) and Acting Director General of Health (2013–2015).
A tireless advocate for clinical training, professional excellence and evidence-based practice in all aspects of healthcare, he was one of three founders of the Clinical Training and Evaluation Centre (CTEC) at UWA, established to foster better education for health professionals in simulated and real-world settings.
In addition to being a leader in medicine and healthcare policy, Professor Stokes was widely respected as a mentor, teacher and inspiration to generations of clinicians and researchers.
Returning to his alma mater, he became Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Adjunct Professor in Surgical Anatomy at UWA and served as Professor of Anatomy at Notre Dame University. As a teacher, he reinforced to his students that patient care should be their number one priority.
Professor Stokes’ wide and varied philanthropic activities included serving as Board Director of the Perron Institute (originally the Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute) and Chair of ‘Bicycles for Humanity WA’, and donating to the Matilda Award for UWA Convocation: Alumni Association.
Committed to developing neurosciences in WA, he was a driving force behind the development of the Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute building at the QEII Medical Centre, and was Chair of the Bryant Stokes Neurological Research Fund for more than 20 years.
Among his numerous accolades and awards, Professor Stokes was made a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for his services to medicine (2001), was invested in the Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller (2008), and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Medicine from UWA in 2016.
Further recognition of his outstanding contribution to Australian healthcare came in 2020 when he was appointed an Officer in the General Division (AO) of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Despite a busy life, Professor Stokes also found time to indulge his passion for photographing landscapes.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma acknowledged the significant contribution Professor Stokes made to the State and the UWA community, saying his legacy would continue through his enduring contributions to medical research and education.
“His dedication to patient care, intellectual rigour, and commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on the health and wellbeing of the community,” Professor Chakma said.
“He will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by colleagues, patients, students and the Western Australian community.”
The University extends its condolences to Professor Stokes’ family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his remarkable work.
Pictured above: Queen Elizabeth II greets dignitaries including Professor Bryant Stokes, second from right, at the launch of the Clinical Training and Evaluation Centre at UWA in 2000