A trailblazer in the field of urology, Old Boy and Emeritus Professor Frank Gardiner AM (1963) has dedicated his life to advancing medical science and improving patient care. With an honorary consultant appointment at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and a long-standing affiliation with the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Frank’s influence continues to shape the future of prostate cancer research.

In the mid-1970s, Frank was among the first in Australia to explore the complexities of prostate cancer, now the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. His pioneering work laid the foundation for decades of progress. In 2001, he received the first of many RBWH Foundation grants to investigate early detection methods which remain critical in saving lives.

Frank’s clinical career spanned over three decades, with nearly all of it spent as a consultant urologist at RBWH from 1980 to 2016. His contributions were formally recognised in 2010, when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his outstanding service to medicine, research, and the broader community.

His story, titled Every prostrate comes with a person attached, is featured in the RBWH Foundation’s 40 Strong Stories series, celebrating dedicated and passionate Humans at the Heart of Healthcare. The series is also narrated by fellow Churchie Old Boy and bestselling author, Nick Earls (1980).

Even after suffering a significant health scare last year, Frank continues to contribute to prostate cancer research. Despite his many accolades, Frank remains incredibly humble. He is extremely proud to be a Churchie Old Boy and even prouder to be a grandfather to one, soon to be three grandsons at Churchie.