Monash Memo - 5 September 2001

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Reproduction director honoured

Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development director Professor David De Kretser has been named Victorian Father of the Year for 2001.

Professor de Kretser, who has helped countless Victorian men become fathers, received the accolade in recognition of his work in the field of fertility treatment.

Accepting the award, Professor de Kretser said he shared it with the men he had assisted.

Professor De Kretser is father of four sons: Steven, 38, a chemical engineer: Mark, 36, a doctor; Ross 33, also a chemical engineer; and Hugh, 27, a lawyer.

He said infertile couples often faced pressure from both their families and the community to have babies and he believed that men, in particular, deserved support and understanding.

“Families often don’t realise that a couple is having a problem conceiving and ask when the baby is coming, which just adds to the hurt.”

Focusing on the issue of men’s health, Professor de Kretser said he hoped that winning the award would highlight the need for Victorian men to safeguard their long-term health and contact their doctors if they believe they have a problem.

“Men really need to look at their health as insurance to try and ensure they are there for their families,” he said.