Research cardiologist Murray Esler

One of the perils of travel is leaving your home unattended.  This Easter we enjoyed time away as an extended family with my parents.   Unfortunately, when my parents arrived home on Monday they found a scene of devastation.  Their home of twenty eight years had been robbed with every room trashed.  As well as objects of sentimental value, such as my grandmother’s jewelry, they stole a number of medals that my father has been awarded for his research career.

My father, Professor Murray Esler works at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.  He has dedicated his career to understanding high blood pressure and heart disease – two of the principle causes of death world wide.  In recognition of his research contribution he has been awarded a number of research prizes, both Australian and international.  He has also be awarded in recognition for his role in mentoring junior scientists.  In contrast to what the thieves may believe, as a clinical cardiologist his decision to dedicate his career to research was not a decision based on financial renumeration.  Researchers will tell you that a career as a scientist is usually the lower paid  option.  Recognition for research achievements are hard won and far between.

My family and I are hoping that by sharing this story on social media there is a chance (we know it is slim) that the medals may be recovered.  We hope that those of you that value science, scientists, and the contribution they make to all our lives will share this post.  The robbery occurred in Melbourne however it is possible that the thieves live further afield so we are asking that you share Australia wide.

The robbery occurred on Serpells Road, Templestowe, Victoria between Church and WIlliamsons Road.  It occurred sometime between lunch time on Good Friday and Easter Monday evening.  It is likely that the thieves were in the home for an extended period of time.  A neighbor reported to police that young men in a red car were scouting the street for houses to rob a week earlier.  A red car was also seen in the immediate vicinity of my parents home during the Easter weekend.  Other items that were stolen which may help identify the thieves are a new packet of Estee Lauder lipsticks, and new black Micheal Kors handbag that had been purchased as a gift.  If the thieves are men, and have given these to a mother or girlfriend it may help identify them.

If you have information regarding this crime please contact Crime Prevention Officer Millin Whitehorse Crime Scene Services Email: oic@police.vic.gov.au General Ph.  0388923372 Direct Ph:  03 88923281 Case Reference Number: LEDR1773420

Medals that were stolen

Royal Melbourne Hospital 1967

Robert Gartly Healey Medal in Surgery

Murray David Esler

(a solid gold medal, inscribed this way)

Royal Melbourne Hospital 1967

Robert Gartly Healey Medal in Medicine

Murray David Esler

(a solid gold medal, inscribed this way) 

Ramaciotti Medal for Medical Research 1997

Professor Murray Esler

(solid silver, approx. 6 cm diameter)

United Arab Emirates Medal 2000

Murray David Esler

(gold plate, approx 6 cm diameter)

Monash Postgraduate Association Award

Postgraduate Supervisor of the Year 1999

Professor Murray Esler

(solid silver)

Monash University Vice Chancellor’s Award for Post Graduate student Supervision 2000

Professor Murray Esler

(solid silver)

International Society of Hypertension 2000

Merck Sharpe & Dohme Award

Dr Murray Esler

(solid Silver)

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