A shared passion for patient outcome: The Gilpin Family
For this father-and-son duo, medicine is not just a shared vocation—it's a passion for delivering the very best in patient care.
Growing up, Dr Brad Gilpin, Orthopaedic Surgeon, was inspired by the fulfilment he saw in his parents—Dr Tricia Gilpin, General Practitioner, and Dr David Gilpin, Orthopaedic Surgeon—whose love of medicine was always evident. Brad now performs procedures with his father assisting him fortnightly, in a dynamic that benefits patient outcomes. “Even though he's a very good surgeon in his own right, you can always learn things”, adds Tricia.
Brad is also building a family of doctors himself. His wife, Dr Anna Lowe is a General Surgeon and sees family mentorship as an intangible added value. “As someone who isn’t from a medical family, I can see how much support and understanding he had from his parents and siblings. Not just emotional support, but very practical benefits—to have one-on-one mentoring at any hour and even having David there as his private assistant when he started his private practice.
For Brad, having his dad in the room isn’t strange - it’s a privilege. “At the end of the day, it’s not like I’ve just got my dad there with me, I’ve got someone with 30 years of experience. If he says something during a case, I’m going to listen.”
Watch the video below for more of Brad, Tricia and David Gilpin's story
"Brad’s a better-skilled surgeon. He’s good with his hands. What you don’t get in training is the wisdom of when to operate or when not to”, says David"
Beyond the operating theatre, their connection is built on mutual respect and the commitment to provide quality medical care. “It makes the work environment pleasant. Ultimately, I think that’s better for patients, which is what we should be about anyway”, says Brad.
With a long and respected career, David shares the value of the wisdom he has gained over decades in operating theatres, and his wealth of knowledge as a key advisor, with many years spent as a Member of both the MDA National Mutual and Insurance Boards, in addition to a long tenure as Chair of the MDA National Underwriting Committee.
As a mentor to his son and a whole new generation of doctors, David passes down the mindset of striving to do better. “After every operation, sit back and reflect. Pick what you could do better,” he says. “You’re always trying to be better—because that gives the patient the best chance.”
