WA's director of health announces retirement

Dr Shirley Bowen has been director general of the Department of Health since May 2024 and would have been in the role for nearly three years when she officially steps down in February 2027.

Dr Bowen has worked across a number of the state’s health service providers.

She started her career in sexual health medicine at the peak of the HIV epidemic in Sydney before going on to train as a physician focusing on infectious diseases.

Speaking to Medical Forum shortly after commencing as director general, she said those years were formative for her understanding of cutting-edge medicine, cooperative care and palliative medicine.

She said after those years she became committed to public health and the many opportunities to prevent illness across the population.

Dr Bowen has restructured the department to lead the system into the future, the state government said in a statement.

Before taking on the role of director general, Dr Bowen also served as the chief executive of the North Metropolitan Health Service, chief executive of St John of God Subiaco, chief health officer of the Australian Capital Territory, executive director of Fremantle Hospital, and the Dean of the School of Medicine at The University of Notre Dame.

AMA (WA) President Dr Kyle Hoath said Dr Bowen’s retirement would be a significant loss for WA’s health system.

“I have enormous respect for Shirley, both as a clinician and as a leader, and have greatly valued the collaborative relationship we have built,” he said.

“She has brought a willingness to listen, engage openly and work through difficult issues together. That matters enormously to doctors who want their concerns heard and who want to be part of improving care for their patients.

“Leading WA Health is an exceptionally demanding role. Shirley’s commitment to the people who rely on our health system, and those who work within it, has been clear throughout our dealings.

“There is still important work ahead before she finishes in February, and I look forward to continuing that work together.”

Health Minister Meredith Hammat thanked Dr Bowen for her leadership.

“In her time at the Department of Health Dr Bowen has undertaken reforms that will benefit Western Australia's health system well into the future, including completion of the State Health Operations Centre,” she said.

“Her deep knowledge and experience across all aspects of health, combined with her passion for person-centred, safe, and high-quality care has set the foundation for sustained improvement in health service delivery across the state.”

A nationwide search will be undertaken to find the next director general.