Professor Robert Stirling OAM leaves an enduring legacy through his leadership, research and unwavering commitment to improving lung cancer care in Australia.
A Leader in Lung Cancer Care
For more than two decades, Rob combined outstanding clinical care with a determination to improve the health system around it. As a Consultant Respiratory Physician at Alfred Health and Epworth Hospital, he championed multidisciplinary care and helped establish The Alfred’s lung cancer multidisciplinary meeting as a model of collaborative practice.
Transforming Quality Improvement
Rob recognised that improving outcomes required more than excellent clinicians. It required measurement.
As founding Chair of the Victorian Lung Cancer Registry, he helped create one of Australia’s most influential clinical quality registries, enabling hospitals to benchmark care and drive continuous improvement. He later co-founded the Lung Cancer Clinical Quality Data Platform, extending this work nationally.
A Voice Shaping National Policy
Beyond the clinic, Rob influenced lung cancer care across Australia. He advised Cancer Australia, contributed to guidance for earlier recognition of lung cancer symptoms, supported the Australian Lung Cancer Screening Program and represented Australia on international quality initiatives through IASLC and ICHOM.
An Educator and Mentor
Rob was equally passionate about developing the next generation of clinicians. Over many years he supervised medical students, respiratory physicians and researchers at Monash University and Alfred Health, earning a reputation as a generous mentor and respected teacher.
Recognising an Extraordinary Contribution
In 2026, Rob was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to respiratory oncology, research and education. Earlier this year, TOGA was proud to award him Honorary Membership in acknowledgement of his remarkable contribution to thoracic cancer care.
A Lasting Legacy
Professor Stirling’s influence extends far beyond the roles he held. His legacy lives on through the clinicians he mentored, the quality initiatives he established and the countless patients whose care has been improved because of his vision.
On behalf of the Board, members and staff of the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia, we extend our sincere condolences to Rob’s family, friends and colleagues.
