Renowned Surgeon Dr Jacob Goldstein receives King’s Birthday Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

The late Dr Jacob Goldstein (AM), a highly respected cardiothoracic surgeon, leaves an enduring legacy at Cabrini Hospital where he practiced from 1986 – 2021, during his decades-long career in the field.

Over the span of his distinguished 44-year career, Dr Goldstein practiced at various prestigious institutions, including Cabrini Hospital, Monash Health, and The Alfred.

He was also a supervisor of cardiothoracic training from 1989-2017 and an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Surgery at Monash University from 1992-2022.

Dr Goldstein worked at Cabrini Hospital for many years, helping to shape the institution through his dedication and expertise. When his health began to deteriorate in late 2023, Dr Goldstein received palliative care at Cabrini – the very hospital he had served for so long.

According to the personal account written by his daughter (Elissa Goldstein) in The Age newspaper, “The irony of dad receiving palliative care in the Catholic hospital he and so many other Jewish doctors helped shape, so close to the bagel belt of Melbourne, felt like a fitting coda,” his daughter wrote.

Throughout his impressive four-decade career, Dr Goldstein witnessed many changes, including surgical and technological advancements, as well as significant developments in cardiology.

Dr Goldstein was known for his compassionate bedside manner and commitment to training the next generation of heart surgeons. Even after retiring in 2021, he remained actively engaged, keeping up to date with the latest innovations and continuing to support his peers as a respected mentor. He passed on his vast knowledge and experience to countless young doctors.

This year, he received the 2024 King’s Birthday Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to medicine as a cardiothoracic surgeon and as a surgical mentor.

Dr Goldstein’s legacy is a testament to the profound impact a single individual can have on their community. His unwavering dedication to his patients and the medical field has left an indelible mark on the lives he touched, both in the operating room and beyond.

Volunteer Mrs Valerie Hall awarded Medal of the Order of Australian (OAM)

Cabrini also congratulates volunteer Mrs Valerie Lorraine Hall who received the Medal of the Order of Australian (OAM), for her service to the community. This included volunteer roles at Cabrini Hospital’s gift shop from 2007 – 2016 and the Hospital reception since 2016.