National Director - Retired 2017FRCOG FRACOG
Peter Maher graduated from Monash University in 1971. He entered the Ob/Gyn training scheme in 1974 when he did a St Vincent’s Hospital/ Mercy Maternity Hospital rotation. At the completion of his training at the Mercy Hospital he was admitted to membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London. Following two years of post-graduate training and study in the United Kingdom he returned to Australia and commenced consultant practice in Melbourne in 1979. He was also appointed to a visiting consultancy in Ob/Gyn at the Mercy Hospital for Women through the University of Melbourne department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Peter Maher is now the Director of Endosurgery (minimally invasive surgery) at the hospital and Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He is active in many medical societies including the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society ( President 1995-1999), International Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (Board member 1997-2001 ) American Association of Gynaecological Laparoscopists, The Fertility Society of Australia and the Australian Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. He has co-authored more than 100 publications including book ,chapters on endoscopy. He has travelled and operated in several countries around the world including: Britain, the United States, India, Indonesia and Russia. Peter is currently president of the International Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy. Peter believes that "endometriosis in its worst form is like a malignant disease. It spreads relentlessly throughout the pelvis causing immeasurable suffering to patients of all ages" "Patients with endometriosis need time and understanding. They have often been bounced backwards and forwards to and from doctor to doctor without answers. It is very rewarding to be able to offer help to these often long suffering patients" "Excisional surgery is the mainstay of treatment" says Professor Maher "but we always try to retain fertility where possible. Drugs may sometimes be necessary after surgery along with natural therapies" On a personal note, golf, sailing and spending time with his adult family fill in the leisure hours that are left after a busy professional life. His wife of 27 years was initially delighted when he ceased obstetric practice but an active academic and practical gynaecological practice with his long standing friend and colleague Carl Wood has challenged their "off duty" time together. Summary: Professor Maher, a pioneer in Australia in some types of endoscopic surgery is thrilled that endoscopy does offer patients an improved outcome in all but the most severe endometriosis. The practitioners of ecca will forever be in debt to Peter for his guidance, leadership, compassion and surgical skills. He was the pioneer in Australia with Professor Carl Wood (deceased) They will both be sorely missed from the practice.
