Dr Joseph O’Brien, a distinguished general and interventional cardiologist, has always exhibited a special interest in cardiology. His specific areas of interests focus around coronary artery disease, cardiovascular risk assessment and optimisation, chest pain, atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension.

Originating from rural New South Wales, Dr O’Brien relocated to Melbourne for his medical training, establishing intermittent residence in the city over the past two decades. Graduating with Honours from Monash University in 2012, he completed his internship in Bendigo and pursued basic physician training across St Vincent’s and Austin Health. Preceding his specialisation in cardiology, Dr O’Brien underwent a specialised fellowship in pulmonary hypertension.

His Advanced Training in Cardiology transpired through the Eastern, Austin and Barwon Health networks. Subsequently, he concluded a two-year, high-volume fellowship at Victorian Heart Hospital, serving as one of the inaugural Interventional Cardiology Fellows during his time there.

Dr O’Brien possesses a keen interest in education, obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Health Professional Education from the University of Melbourne during the course of his specialty training. Currently enrolled in a PhD program at the Victorian Heart Institute (Monash Health Heart), his research focuses on coronary microvascular dysfunction, supported by scholarships from the Heart Foundation and Monash University.

Noteworthy, as well, is his co-authorship of The Junior Doctor Survival Guide with Dr Paul Watson, a medical textbook crafted during their residency. Beyond textbook contributions, he has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and abstracts in multiple esteemed medical journals, showcasing his knowledge and work across Australia and internationally. As a dedicated teacher, Dr O’Brien advocates for the safety of junior doctors through his Adjunct Lecturer role with Monash University to this day.

Outside the hospital environment, Dr O’Brien relishes in extensive travel plans with his young family and endeavors to experience one or two open sea scuba dives each year.