Dr Robert Larbalestier

Dr Robert Larbalestier completed medical school at the University of Sydney and subsequently sought a career in surgery completing his cardiothoracic surgical training in 1990. Following post-graduate fellowships at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston USA he returned to consultant practice in Australia. His fellowships were focused on advanced techniques in mitral valve and aortic valve surgery, transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and paediatric cardiac surgery. 

Dr Larbalestier has been in consultant cardiothoracic surgical practice for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in all areas of adult cardiothoracic surgical practice. He is currently medically registered through AHPRA and holds appropriate specialist qualifications with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons. He is an Adjunct Professor Murdoch University and Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia and has actively participated in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels throughout his career. He has mentored numerous medical students, surgical trainees, and overseas fellows. Dr Larbalestier established the Western Australian Heart and Lung Transplant Program and Mechanical Support Services and has fostered through that program the development of a clinical and research program of international excellence. 

Dr Larbalestier co-established the High-Risk Aortic Stenosis Service (HRASS) of WA with Dr Gerald Yong, Interventional Cardiologist, and this has been a service of excellence regularly reviewed by the WA State Technology Advisory Committee and has delivered world-class results. He is strongly committed to the delivery of high-quality health care to his patients, excellence in training to the staff under his supervision and development of a cohesive and passionate team that continues at the forefront of his specialty.

Dr Larbalestier has achieved recognition for his work in transplantation, mechanical support, mitral valve surgery, aortic valve surgery and complex aortic surgery and regularly contributes to seminars in these areas. In 2019 Dr Larbalestier was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for his contributions to Cardiothoracic Surgery and Professional Societies throughout his career.

Dr Larbalestier AO is the director of cardiothoracic surgery at Fiona Stanley Hospital and operates at Mount Hospital.