Congratulations Mr Robert Fitzpatrick AM who was recognised in the Australia Day Honours as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to plastic and reconstructive surgery, and to the community of Western Australia.

Rob attended Queen’s from 1964 until 1970. His father, Dr David Fitzpatrick (Wyvern 1918) and two uncles, Dr Samuel Fitzpatrick (Wyvern 1910) and Dr Alfred Fitzpatrick (Wyvern 1921) also attended. They all lived in the country so needed accommodation close to Melbourne University. The Fitzpatrick family was brought up with a liking for sport, and a strong religious background. At one stage Rob’s father and uncles made up a third of the Heyfield football team.

Rob was the recipient of two scholarships at Wesley and realised he would need to be in a learning environment to pass a university course.  Sport continued to be a large part of his life throughout university, with involvement in athletics and football. After university, Rob became interested in flying and sailing in Perth. He sailed across the North Atlantic from Newport to Bermuda and then on to Spain, enduring some horrific conditions before reaching Bermuda .

After marrying Libby, three children arrived, and then twins. Rob’s sporting endeavours slowed down with the children’s arrival and their sporting activities, and further study; firstly in General surgery and then in Plastic and Reconstructive which took them to the U.K. twice.

During the last 33 years, Rob has volunteered for the Lions Cancer Institute who perform skin screens across Western Australia (Esperance to Wyndham) from a mobile Unit, as well as eight years as LCI’s Medical Director. He has also volunteered for 18 years with Claremont Football Club as their doctor.  This would not have been possible without the mammoth effort of his wife of more than 53 years. Libby still accompanies Rob to most of the screenings, helping with administration, messages and transport.

Rob’s Plastic Surgical Practice was focussed on skin cancer, hands and a limited number of procedures for functional reasons to help patients in everyday life.

Rob and Libby have had many overseas trips, and this year hope to visit the pyramids. They also enjoy camping throughout Australia including Esperance , Wilsons Prom., Broome, Gibb River road, Great Central road, Darwin, and the Telegraph Track. Wilpena Pound is on the bucket list.

Rob considers the award to be a great honour for his family who have helped him to achieve this outcome. He hopes to be able to contribute to cancer screening for another few years and inspire some more colleagues to join the team.