Honouring five decades of dedicated service at RBWH.

Dr Barry O’Loughlin is retiring after a 50-year association with RBWH

In 1976, while Australians were listening to Fernando by ABBA and Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Dr Barry O’Loughlin started what would become a 50-year association with Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH).

Fast forward to 2026, and staff from across the hospital came together to farewell Dr O’Loughlin, the Executive Director of Surgery and Perioperative Services, following a career dedicated to his patients, staff, and to making Queenslanders healthier.

RBWH Executive Director Louise Oriti said Dr O’Loughlin leaves as one of the legends in the long, rich history of the hospital.

“Barry always placed patients at the centre of his decision-making and exemplified what it means to provide compassionate care,” she said.

“His influence has earned him immense respect across the hospital over the decades, as he chose to lead his teams with kindness and respect.”

Dr O’Loughlin’s contribution reaches well beyond RBWH. His dedication to medicine and health service leadership was recognised through an Australia Day Medal in 2006 and his appointment to the Order of Australia in 2021.

“These honours reflect what we at RBWH have always known, Barry’s contribution has been profound and enduring,” Louise said.

Speaking at the farewell event in his honour, the ever-humble Dr O’Loughlin was keen to emphasise the support he had from others.

“What I’ve enjoyed about working here is the people, who have become like a second family to me,” he said.

“I’m really just a country boy who was lucky enough to get into medical school and then even luckier to train to become a surgeon.”

Thank you, Barry. You leave a legacy at RBWH and in the lives of many patients and staff for whom you have cared, led and mentored.

We wish you and your wife, Anna, well for your next chapter.