AMA 15th National Conference 2003 - AMA Men's Health Award 2003

The award acknowledges a major contribution to men's health in Australia.

Presenting the award at the AMA's National Conference 2003, AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said Professor Handelsman has had a major influence on public health initiatives for men.

"Professor Handelsman has made and continues to make significant contributions nationally and internationally towards the establishment of evidence-based services for men's reproductive and general health," Dr Phelps said.

"His work has made it easier for men to talk about one of their big taboos - their own health."

Dr Handelsman's contributions include:

• International leader in the clinical pharmacology of androgens and applications for androgen replacement therapy. His studies are among the key systematic studies of androgen replacement therapy and, in particular, have defined the clinical pharmacology of depot testosterone implants, now the preferred modality of androgen replacement therapy in Australia - an option available in few other countries.

• Male contraception. His group has made major contributions to development of this new option for family planning. He has completed the proof of principle study for a prototype combined hormonal male contraceptive showing high efficacy with adequate short-term safety and acceptability and providing the first community service based on this study.

• Male fertility preservation - In 1979 Professor Handelsman started the first sperm cryostorage facility in NSW at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, among the first in Australia. Since that time this service has provided through the public sector a form of fertility insurance without charge, especially for men about to undergo cancer treatments. He has recently published on the long-term outcomes of sperm cryostorage services, based on the most extensive experience in the world.

CONTACT: John Flannery (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley (0408) 824 306