2990 Microsurgery.qxd - O'Brien Institute

Director’s Report
Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery
RETIRING MEMBERS
Mr Keith Dawson retired from
our Board after many years of
committed service. Keith, a
former director of Hong Kong
Bank Australia Ltd and Perpetual Trustees,
Victoria, had a unique knowledge of medical
and philanthropic trusts and the business world.
He was instrumental in pleading our cause to
many of these trusts and for the successful
outcomes. He was ever willing to offer advice
and attend functions on our behalf, and has
contributed greatly to our financial security. We
wish Keith well in his retirement and thank him
sincerely for his efforts.
Mr Marc Besen, Executive
Chairman of Sussan, is well
known for his philanthropy and
support of the arts, particularly
the Australian and Victorian Opera
and the National Gallery of Victoria. He has
been on our Board for many years and has been
a supporter of our cause. With his many other
commitments he retired from the Board and we
thank him sincerely for all his contributions.
Professor Gerard
Crock and Dr John
Connell retired from
the Board this year.
As senior, and
highly respected doctors in both the clinical and
academic surgical scene they played a major
role, particularly in the early years of the
Foundation in helping Bernard O’Brien establish
the Research Institute. Many political as well as
scientific hurdles needed scaling and Bernard
could not have recruited two better hurdlers.
They steered and supported the Institute for
many years and gave generously of their talents
and time. Both have agreed to stay on as
scientific advisers where their skill and
experience will continue to benefit the Institute.
We thank them sincerely for their efforts.
Miss Norma Tullo came onto our
Board at the suggestion of Sister
Fabian, the founder of St Vincent’s
Private Hospital. The name ‘Norma
Tullo’ was a household word in the
world of Australian fashion and she broadened
our contacts and exposure to a new and
influential group of patrons and supporters.
Norma took great interest in our work and
regularly attended and contributed to Board
meetings in past years. Her contributions to our
cause have been greatly appreciated.
NEW MEMBERS
Mr Allan MacLeod bring a wealth of medical
experience and wisdom to the Board. He is
currently the head of plastic and reconstructive
surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital, and formerly
of Repatriation General Hospital, Heidelberg.
He is internationally known for his pioneering
role in microsurgery and has been associated
with the Institute as research fellow, adviser
and colleague since its inception. We are
delighted that Allan has offered his services.
Professor James Angus, Professor of
Pharmacology at Melbourne University, has
recently been appointed to our Board. Jim has
had a long association with our Institute as a
scientific adviser and his influence and reputation
at Melbourne University and with NHMRC, and
with the broad scientific community will be a
very valuable asset. We are grateful that Jim has
offered to give us his time and support.
Ms Josephine O’Brien has recently agreed to be a
new member of our Board. Josephine, the daughter
of Bernard O’Brien, has established an international
reputation as an architect and has won many
national and international awards and scholarships.
We are delighted that Josephine will represent the
O’Brien family and maintain our links with our
founder. Josephine is energetic and vivacious and
will add greatly to our Board membership.
DONORS
We are indebted to many large donors and
funding bodies, many of whom have repeatedly
supported us in a major way. These include
the Victorian State Government, Transport
Accident Commission, National Health and
Medical Research Council, Royal Australasian
College of Surgeons, National Australia Bank,
The Jack Brockhoff Foundation, Helen M Schutt
Trust, Henry and Miriam Greenfield, Liz and
Russell Leggo, Ronald and Barbara Walker,
St Vincent’s Hospital Research Fund,
The Estate of the late George Adams,
Sir Donald and Lady Trescowthick, Joe White
Bequest, Australian Paper Welfare Scheme,
Glaxo Wellcome, AMRAD and the late
Miss Evelyn Coy bequest.
Also from the will of Miss Evelyn Coy, an
Annual Surgical Prize is awarded to the final
year medical student at St Vincent’s Hospital
Medical School who excels in surgery. This year
Miss Anthea Greenway was the recipient of this
cherished prize.
We are grateful to Ms Sue McKay and Ms Liliana
Pepe and staff at the Experimental Medical
and Surgical Unit, and to Dr Ainslie Brown,
Veterinarian, at St Vincent’s Hospital. For many
years they have provided an outstanding level
of co-operation and support to the staff of the
Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery.
We are also grateful to the ward staff and
operating theatre staff of both St Vincent’s
Public and Private Hospitals.
WAYNE A MORRISON MD BS FRACS
DIRECTOR
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