Citation for Prof. John M. Hutson, AO, BS, MD(Melb), MD(Monash), DSc(Melb), FRACS, FAAP(Hon), FCAPS(Hon)

Prof. John M. Hutson is chair of paediatric surgery at the University of Melbourne (UMelb), Australia, where he has practiced pediatric surgery since 1984 and has a leadership role at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Educated at Monash Medical School, his extensive research training included study with Patricia Donahoe, MD, FACS, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Professor Hutson has three doctorates—MD, UMelb; MD, Monash; and DSc, UMelb—in sexual development. He was honored as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007, an award established to recognize Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service.

Professor Hutson is known worldwide for his basic and clinical research on the reproductive and intestinal tracts. He has advanced our understanding of undescended testis, disorders of sexual differentiation, and colonic dysmotility. His research has been extensively funded by the National Health and Research Council of Australia, and a number of trusts and private donations. Professor Hutson’s passion and enthusiasm to “figure things out” and improve patient care is infectious. He has been extremely productive in investigative science, including the supervision of at least 81 students for advanced degrees, and 329 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has been an invited speaker at 169 seminars and an overseas guest at 81 additional venues. He has won numerous prizes and awards during his professional life. He continues to travel internationally, where he provides on-site teaching and lectures, particularly in Asia.

Together with his wife, Susan, the personal mentorship of his four now successful and grown children served as a model for success in his professional life; his students and residents were extensions of his family and were all made to feel welcome and embraced for their individual intellect and contributions. Professor Hutson has acted as an intellectual ambassador who has always been willing to share his knowledge and insight in an interdisciplinary and collegial manner.