Robert had his undergraduate and specialist training in Dunedin and Christchurch, New Zealand, before moving to Melbourne to do PhD studies at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, on type 1 diabetes. In addition to undertaking early work on diagnostic tests, his studies included the first two international GAD antibody workshops, which aimed to validate and standardise this test, which is now in routine use. From Melbourne, he moved to Canberra for post-doctoral studies at the John Curtin School of Medical Research. He now works in private practice in Canberra, Cooma and Young, in addition to being a senior staff specialist at The Canberra Hospital and a clinical senior lecturer a the Australian National University. He is the author of over 20 original publications and a number of textbook chapters.
In addition to his occupation as a specialist, Robert performs regularly a pianist. He was awarded the Union in Graduates in Music prize at Canterbury University, and gained his ATCL, LTCL and LRSM diplomas during his medical studies. He has done local and national radio broadcasts and has performed with orchestras in Australia and New Zealand. He has collaborated with international soloists and has worked as an accompanist with the ANU School of Music.
In addition to his occupation as a specialist, Robert performs regularly a pianist. He was awarded the Union in Graduates in Music prize at Canterbury University, and gained his ATCL, LTCL and LRSM diplomas during his medical studies. He has done local and national radio broadcasts and has performed with orchestras in Australia and New Zealand. He has collaborated with international soloists and has worked as an accompanist with the ANU School of Music.