Heidelberg professor gets AO for work with hormone therapy
This Heidelberg professor is one of the few in Australia who provides hormone therapy for transgender patients. And he says demand is skyrocketing.
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Professor Jeffrey Zajac is one of the very few doctors in Australia who provide hormone therapy for transgender patients,
The Heidelberg professor said the number of transgender patients who are treated by him has dramatically increased in recent years.
“Five or six years ago I had no transgender patients, now I treat around 500 patients,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there are many doctors who turn transgender people away.”
He began working in endocrinology, the study of hormones, in 1985.
He began by working only with biologically male patients who were lacking in testosterone, due to a natural deficit or injury.
It is only recently patients have come forward looking to transition with hormone treatments.
Prof Zajac only treats patients who are 18 years and older.
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Prof Zajac served as Austin Health’s Department of Medicine head and Melbourne University’s head of Medicine and Radiology.
Earlier this year, Professor Zajac was made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for his service to medical research and education, particularly in the field of endocrinology.
“It’s an exciting award for a long career,” he said.
He was also given a lifetime achievement award in 2015 by the Endocrine Society of Australia.
courtney.beaumont@news.com.au