Russell Basser attended Caulfield Grammar from 1972 to 1977 and is an Australian former water polo player who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics. His participation in the 1984 Olympics came at the end of his course in Medicine at the University of Melbourne. After graduating, he deferred his first year of work due to the time commitment required for preparation and participation in the Games.
Education and Early Life
- School: Attended Caulfield Grammar from 1972 to 1977.
- Higher Education: Studied Medicine at the University of Melbourne
Olympic Participation
- 1984 Los Angeles Olympics: Competed in water polo for Australia.
- Highlights:
- Marching in the opening and closing ceremonies.
- Immersed in life in the Olympic village for two weeks.
- Playing in front of packed stadiums for almost every game.
- Representing Australia.
- Highlights:
Professional Career
- Medical Career: After the Olympics, Russell trained as a medical oncologist and worked in academic medicine at Royal Melbourne and Western Hospitals for about 15 years.
- Career Shift:
- Joined CSL, Australia’s largest biopharmaceutical company.
- Roles at CSL:
- Headed up the clinical trials group for 14 years.
- Oversaw the Research and Development group in the vaccine division for six years.
- Retirement: Retired in 2022, now enjoying part-time work, travel, and spending time on the Mornington Peninsula.
Image Credit: Doherty Clinical Trails Ltd
