David de Kretser Awards honour distinction in medical science and education
The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences presented the David de Kretser Medal and Lifetime Achievement Award to two distinguished medical scientists and educators last Friday.
Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor David de Kretser, was this year's recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Professor Leon Piterman received the David de Kretser Medal.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution - nationally and internationally - to human health and wellbeing, while the Medal is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to any area of the Faculty's operation over a significant period of his or her working life.
"Professor David de Kretser, with his many accolades and significant contribution to the field of male fertility, is an inspiration to so many of us in our careers as researchers. He has set an example through his diligence and his discipline throughout his career", Professor Mitchell said.
Professor Mitchell lauded Professor Piterman for his expertise in medical education, primary care mental health and clinical audit.
"Leon has over 160 publications in refereed journals and co-authored the text "General Practice Psychiatry" which has been translated into Italian and Chinese. He has also established the Diploma and Masters in Family Medicine which has produced over 1400 graduates in Australia and overseas."
Professor de Kretser's links with the Faculty date back to 1969 when he received his MD from Monash. As a reproductive endocrinologist, his academic career at Monash University has included appointments as Professor of Anatomy, the founding Director of the Monash Institute of Medical Research and the Associate Dean for Biotechnology Development. In 2003, he was named a Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor. He served as the 28th Governor of Victoria from 2006 to 2011 and is a Companion of the Order of Australia. He resumed his research career at Monash University in April 2011.
Professor Piterman is a Professor of General Practice at Monash University and Pro-vice Chancellor of Monash's Berwick and Peninsula campuses. He is also a past member of the Board of Examiners of the Australian Medical Council, the RACGP, and sits on various university, professional and government expert committees. He is a Board Member/Director of the Royal District Nursing Service, Berwick Health Care and the Insight School for Visually Handicapped Children.