Renowned IVF specialist promoted to Professor

Congratulations to Professor Beverley Vollenhoven who received an academic promotion last week.

The Head of Gynaecology at Monash Health and Deputy Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University, a research associate in the Centre for Reproductive Health and a research fellow in The Ritchie Centre, Professor Vollenhoven is a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Professor Vollenhoven’s early research focussed on the cause and treatment of uterine fibroids, and she discovered factors that contribute to their growth and development. Her more recent research centres on fertility and menopause.

“One of the main reasons why IVF fails is that embryos fails to implant, and some of my basic research is looking at implantation—why some embryos implant and others don’t,” said Professor Vollenhoven.

“I’m also investigating how we can improve the quality and quantity of eggs produced by older women.”

Professor Vollenhoven’s other research interests include looking at women using alternative therapies in menopause and IVF.

Professor Vollenhoven has more than 100 publications in journals and books. She has previously been a Chairperson of the Victorian Regional Committee of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and is a member of the Examinations Committee.

She is currently an examiner for both the specialist and sub specialist exams and a senior examiner for the Australian Medical Council. She is on the Advisory Committee for Prescription Medicines (a subcommittee of the Therapeutic Goods Administration) and is a member of 11 national and international societies.

She is chair on the Women in Medicine and Science committee at SCS and is the Faculty representative of the Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team (SAT).

“Personally and professionally, this promotion recognises effort and hard work not only by me but by those who have worked with and supported me, including my family,” she said.