For the past 35 years she has involved herself in the local community and put George Town on the world map through her work with Soroptimist International, a volunteer organisation that promotes the status and health of women throughout the world.

From 1999 to 2001, Dr Zimmerman was the international president of the organisation.

It is an involvement that has seen her appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in today's Australia Day honours.

"When I got the letter I just sat and looked at it and then thought, oh wow, this is such an honour.

"It's not totally mine. It reflects the work of a lot of people," she said.

A number of major international projects were initiated during her presidency of Soroptimist International.

They include Legacy for Learning, an education and training program for girls in Inner Mongolia, and Soroptimists Stop Traffic, which raised finds to help combat the international trafficking of girls and women.

Dr Zimmerman has held numerous positions in the local and other levels of Soroptimist International.

She also served on the George Town Council from 1990 to 1994 and has been patron of the George Town District Hospital auxiliary.

Initially establishing her own practice, Dr Zimmerman now practises at the Anne Street Medical Centre at George Town.

"I go back to the northern hemisphere every winter here, summer there and spend time with my brother.

"I still do some Soroptimist things there and go to conferences."

Dr Zimmerman credits the strong community spirit at George Town for keeping her in Tasmania.

"There are some really talented people here in George Town - it's one of the things that made me stay.

"The people are so community minded and supporting.

"I've lived in other places and it's just not the same. This is a great place to live."

Dr Zimmerman was made a life member of Soroptimist International in 2010.