Michael has been a Non-Executive Director since March 2026; Michael joined both the Research Committee and Fellowship Panel on 30 April 2025 and was appointed as Deputy Chair of both Research Committee and Fellowship Panel since 30 April 2025.

Professor Permezel is a retired obstetrician and gynaecologist and Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne. He was appointed to the Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Mercy Hospital for Women in 1995 and has held senior clinical and academic leadership appointments at Mercy Hospital for Women and the Royal Women’s Hospital. He retired from the University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women in 2020 and continues to contribute to teaching and research.

Professor Permezel has played a significant leadership role within the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), serving as President, Vice-President and Dean of Education. His contributions have shaped obstetric training, professional standards and clinical practice across Australia and New Zealand.

Professor Permezel AO was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020 for distinguished service to medicine and medical education in obstetrics and gynaecology, and to professional colleges.

He brings deep expertise in maternal and foetal health, alongside extensive experience in governance, clinical leadership and academic medicine.