Professor Susan Davis (MBBS 1980, PhD 1989)

Distinguished Alumni Award 2009

Professor Susan Davis is a leading women’s health researcher. In 2005 she became the inaugural Chair of Women’s Health in the Monash University Department of Medicine at the Alfred Hospital.

In supporting Professor Davis’s nomination, Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser AC (MD 1969, HonLLD 2006) states Professor Davis is “a leader in the field of women’s health … who has made a substantial contribution not only within Australia but also around the globe”.

Professor Davis is a pioneer in the field of reproductive endocrinology. Specifically, her research looks at hormonal deficiencies in women, both before and after menopause. She has also played a vital role in raising awareness about women’s health in Indigenous communities after establishing the Aboriginal Women’s Health Survey and Education Program in 1999.

Her nominator, Associate Professor Robin Bell (MBBS 1977, PhD 1983, MPH 1988, GradCertHlthProfEd 2008), says Professor Davis “demonstrates that women can achieve a high level of success in the field of medical research, play a significant role in the international health and medical research arena, and enjoy the experience of parenting.”

Professor Davis was one of the Founding Directors of the Jean Hailes Foundation and instigated its research program. She has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and is a sought-after public speaker at major international events. She has received several important awards for her research.

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