Phyllis Dorothy Cilento (1894–1987), frequently referred to as Lady Cilento, was an Australian medical practitioner, author, and public health educator. She was a prominent figure in the advocacy of maternal and child health, nutrition, and social reform throughout much of the 20th century.
Born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Cilento completed her medical studies at the University of Adelaide, graduating in 1918. After her marriage to Sir Raphael Cilento, a physician and public health administrator, she practiced medicine in various capacities, including working in the Territory of New Guinea and later establishing a general practice in Brisbane.
Cilento was widely known for her extensive career in health journalism. For several decades, she authored a column in Brisbane's The Courier-Mail newspaper, often writing under the title "Medical Mother." Her work focused on practical health advice, particularly emphasizing the roles of vitamins, minerals, and diet in preventative medicine. She was an early proponent of natural childbirth and advocated for the presence of fathers during delivery, a practice that was not standard at the time.
In addition to her columns, Cilento published numerous books on nutrition and child care, such as Mothercraft and Enjoyable Dieting. She served as the president of the Mothercraft Association of Queensland and was active in various medical and community organizations. In 1971, she was named Australian Mother of the Year. Her legacy includes her contributions to public health discourse and her influence on dietary and maternal practices in Australia.
