David Healy portrait unveiled and research fellowships announced

Distinguished Monash clinician and researcher Professor David L Healy was remembered and honoured last week at the unveiling of his portrait at the Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre.

Commissioned by Professor Euan Wallace, Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University, the portrait is a tribute to Professor Healy who passed away in May 2012.

“Professor Healy was a passionate champion for women’s reproductive rights in Australia and overseas,” said Professor Wallace.  “His leadership, vision and persuasiveness is missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”

Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from 1994 to 2012, Professor Healy completed his BMedSci (Hons) and MBBS (Hons) at Monash University before undertaking his PhD on human prolactin physiology with Professor Henry Burger at Prince Henry’s Hospital.  

After further study and training in the US and Scotland, Professor Healy returned to Australia in 1985 as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist. He took up appointments as a consultant at the Queen Victoria Medical Centre in Melbourne and as a Senior Lecturer with Monash University’s IVF Program under the University’s inaugural professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, Carl Wood.

“The remainder of Professor Healy’s career was with Monash University where he shaped obstetrics and gynaecology research and training,” added Professor Wallace. “I hope that his portrait will allow future generations to inquire after him and to learn something of his contributions to our University and hospital”.

 Professor Wallace also announced two funding initiatives in Professor Healy’s memory. “Professor Healy is fondly remembered as an inspiring teacher and mentor and I am proud to announce the inaugural David L Healy PhD Fellowship, generously funded by Dr Gareth Weston, a past PhD student of Professor Healy, and the David Healy Practitioner Fellowship, made possible by a generous gift from the Healy family” said Professor Wallace.

Professor Healy's sister, children and grandchildren also attended the event last week.