Dr John McBain trained in obstetrics and gynaecology in Scotland. He came to Australia in 1976 to be part of group of doctors researching IVF, and was part of the team that developed programmes which led to safe and successful super-ovulation.
Dr McBain was president of the Fertility Society of Australia, chair of Melbourne IVF from 1998 to 2005, and head of reproductive services - ART at The Women's Hospital from 2002 to 2018.