Queen’s Birthday Honour for heart surgeon

Fiona Stanley Hospital Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery Mr Rob Larbalestier.

Congratulations to Mr Rob Larbalestier, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Fiona Stanley Hospital, who has been named as an Officer of Order of Australia (AO) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

This award recognises at the highest level Mr Larbalestier’s distinguished career in cardiothoracic surgery and heart and lung transplantation and his dedication to the public health system.

He pioneered the Western Australian Heart and Lung Transplant Service in 1994 and is on the board of the WA Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation as well as the West Australian Donation Advisory Committee.

In addition to his surgical achievements, he has a significant record of cardiothoracic research and is an internationally-recognised expert in advanced heart and lung surgery, and has presented and lectured extensively in these areas.

Mr Larbalestier said he was very emotional and ‘blown away’ by the award, which was a highlight of his career.

“This is definitely an acknowledgement of the team I work with. As a surgeon, I can achieve nothing without a team and I have a team who go above and beyond,” he said.

“Working in the public health system has been a great honour. This year we will reach a milestone of 200 transplants in WA in the 25 years of the heart transplant service, which is an amazing achievement.

“I am most proud of doing the first heart and lung transplants in WA.”

Mr Larbalestier said his mum has been his role model.

“She always told me to work hard, do your best and aim high. She said always give things your best shot, that’s all you can do in life.”

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