Biography

Dr Samantha Pillay, OAM MBBS FRACS FUSANZ GAICD, is a urological surgeon, entrepreneur, international multi-award-winning author, and advocate for gender equity and social impact. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2025 for her service to urology.

A 1992 graduate of the University of Adelaide Medical School, Dr Pillay became South Australia’s first female to complete surgical training in Adult Urology, founding Continence Matters in 2002, and becoming Australia’s first urologist to exclusively specialize in Female Urology, Neuro-Urology, Functional, and Reconstructive Surgery.

Some of her leadership positions include the first female to hold these positions:
Inaugural Chair, Female Urology Special Advisory Group, Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), Scientific Chair, 60th USANZ Annual Scientific Meeting, and President, USANZ SA Section.

Dr Pillay was a 2022 SA Australian of the Year finalist and a 2023 Telstra Best of Business Award finalist in two categories: Accelerating Women and Championing Health, and winner of the 2024 USANZ Low-Arnold Award and 2024 Women in Innovation Social Impact Award.

Dr Pillay is passionate about education and advocacy. Her Continence Matters website attracts over 60,000 visits annually worldwide, and she has also developed an online Continence Course for Health Professionals, offering accessible training to empower healthcare providers globally.

Dr Pillay has delivered more than 140 medical lectures and workshops, including invited presentations at international and national scientific meetings.

Her philanthropic efforts extend into the creative space, where she uses AI-driven films and music to amplify health awareness and social impact. Her award-winning projects include:
An Incontinent Truth – Winner, Round The Globe Film Awards, Texas, 2024
JUST SAY PSA – Winner, Round The Globe Film Awards, Texas, 2024
When I’m an Astronaut (Music Video) – Winner, Best in Creative AI, Australian XR Festival 2024
🎬 Films: https://samanthapillay.com/film
Dr Pillay is also an international multi-award-winning author with eleven published books, including the Inspirational Careers for Kids series, challenging gender stereotypes. 📚 https://samanthapillay.com/books

Full Bio: https://continencematters.com/our-people/dr-samantha-pillay

Samantha identifies as having a disability.