The Board, staff, clinicians, researchers and patients at Jean Hailes are deeply saddened by the passing of Professor David Healy, and extend sincere condolences to his family.

A founding Board member of Jean Hailes, David Healy carved out a distinguished career in the areas of gynaecology and obstetrics, including women’s reproduction, ovarian cancer, infertility management (particularly IVF), endometriosis and fibroids. The recipient of many awards for his clinical and research work, in 1985 David became the first obstetrician and gynaecologist to be awarded a prestigious Wellcome Trust Senior Clinician Research Fellowship.

An exceptional doctor who championed the reproductive rights of women, touching the lives of many families, clinicians and researchers along the way, David Healy was also an enthusiastic supporter of young talent and enjoyed mentoring, supervising and occasionally ‘terrifying’ his young prodigies.

He was a visionary leader and a passionate believer in a woman’s right to access and receive first class medical care. David’s aim was to bring about real change for women within Australia, and in developing countries as well.

He was also a great supporter of a woman’s right to access evidence-based information to help her make informed decisions around treatment options.

David Healy was highly regarded by all who knew him, for his significant contribution and extraordinary energy in the pursuit of excellence. He set the bar high and once a goal was achieved, set it even higher.

He was a quiet source of strength at Jean Hailes from the beginning; a steady hand while we grew, a supporter when things went wrong – and so enthusiastic when things went well.

We will warmly remember him as both ‘gentle and fierce’, a ‘visionary leader nationally and internationally’ and a ‘passionate and generous mentor’.

In our eyes David Healy was a great man and a true champion of women. He leaves a long and inspirational legacy.

Content Updated September 2012