Professor Henry Burger AO

Professor Burger, a renowned clinician-researcher, worked closely with Dr Jean Hailes AM and knew her well. After her passing in 1988, he joined with four colleagues to launch the Jean Hailes Foundation as a lasting memorial to her work.

Professor Burger started his career as a clinical endocrinologist and went on to take up the directorship of the Medical Research Centre at Prince Henry’s Hospital and later Director of Prince Henry’s Institute (a predecessor of Hudson Institute of Medical Research).

He had a storied career and made a lasting contribution to the advancement of women’s reproductive health. His many roles included:

• President of the Australasian Menopause Society
• President of the International Menopause Society
• Emeritus Director, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research

Professor Burger was awarded the Order of Australia in 1993. His many other achievements include election to the Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA) in 1994, his selection by the Society of Endocrinology, UK, to receive the 1997 Dale Medal (the highest accolade bestowed by that Society), his election to the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians, London in 1998, the Distinguished Physician Award of the US Endocrine Society in 1999, and an Honorary Doctorate, University of Liege, Belgium 1999.

His invaluable contribution to the work of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health will always be remembered.

Dr Liz Farrell AM, our medical director, said:

“Henry was a brilliant man, with a brilliant brain and a real gentleman. He was a pioneer in women’s reproductive health both in Australia and globally. He supported Dr Jean Hailes to found the first menopause clinic in Australia and was involved in developing the World Health Organization’s first standards on menopause. His contribution and commitment to the Jean Hailes Foundation will always be remembered, as a founder, a patron and as clinician. His legacy is immense.”

Dr Janet Michelmore AO, patron of the Jean Hailes Foundation, said:

“I’ll always remember Henry for his generosity, his giant intellect and his unwavering determination to improve women’s health. Just last week he was helping me fact check details of the history of menopause management in Australia. Such was his generous spirit and memory for details. He supported my mother, Dr Jean Hailes, to set up the first menopause clinic in Australia and only the second in the world. And following her death, he was instrumental in founding Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. His commitment to our work was outstanding. He will be hugely missed by all of us here at Jean Hailes. He was one of the greatest in medicine.”

Ms Jo McConnell, Chair of the Board of Directors, said:

“Here at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, we know we stand on the shoulders of giants. Henry was one of those giants who made a lasting contribution to our work as a charity and to women’s health in Australia and around the world. Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones.”