What we do
Medical Panels provide expert panels of specialist doctors who come together to resolve medical questions if there is disagreement or uncertainty under the workers' compensation and personal injury legislation.
Each Medical Panel is independent and functions as a tribunal that provides final and legally binding answers to referred questions.
Our history
Medical Panels have been part of the dispute resolution process in Victoria since the early 1990s. During this time Medical Panels has served the valuable purpose of providing fair and cost-effective resolution of medical disputes.
The Director of Medical Panels is Ms Sharon Lewis.
Our purpose statement
Providing impartial, evidence-informed medical opinions for all Victorians. Our knowledge, care and expertise help injured workers and claimants get on with their lives.
Panel members
There are 252 medical practitioners who are appointed as Panel members.
The Convenor and Deputy Convenors
The Convenor, Associate Professor David Ernest and Deputy Convenors, Dr Judith Hammond and Dr Christine Kotsios, are appointed until 31 December 2028. They are all Panel Members as well.
The Convenor is responsible for:
- convening an appropriate Medical Panel once a valid referral is received
- providing the Medical Panel with referral documents
- recommending appropriate medical practitioners to the Minister for appointment to the list of Panel Members
- providing advice to the Minister in relation to matters relating to the Medical Panels
Key data 2024/25FY
Total referrals: 5,193
Appointments: 5,573
Finalised Opinions and Reasons documents: 4,540
Our environment
Medical Panels operates from dedicated premises that include fully equipped medical consulting suites and the administration office.
More information
Updated