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Draft:Geoff Lester

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  • Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Moefry1 (talk) 13:29, 16 September 2025 (UTC)



Geoff Lester is an Australian physician, researcher, patient advocate and health economist.[1][2][3] Lester's work as ambassador for the National Heart Foundation of Australia has involved campaigns that raised more than AUD $8.5 million for cardiovascular research and public health initiatives.[4][5][6]. He has been featured in national media for his advocacy role in cardiovascular health, internal medicine, perioperative care, and patient advocacy, particularly in aortic disease awareness and premature cardiovascular disease.[7][8]

Early life and education

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Lester grew up in rural South Australia before travelling to London and returning to Australia to study economics.[2] He then studied medicine following his first of four aortic dissections that requred emergency surgery.[9][10] He completed his basic physician training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney and Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, undertaking training in cardiology, internal medicine, perioperative medicine, and vascular medicine.[11] He holds a Master of Public Health[12] and a Master of Philosophy, with a thesis focused on the epidemiology, mortality, and economic burden of thoracic aortic disease.[13] As of 2025, he is the only Australian to be awarded a European Master of Vascular Medicine and additionally holds qualifications in economics, echocardiography, and vascular ultrasound.[14]

Career

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Lester practises as a consultant vascular and perioperative physician in Victoria, Australia.[1] His special interest is aortic disease.[12] He is a senior lecturer at Monash University where studies include economic modelling of perioperative medicine services.[15][16]

Advocacy and public engagement

In 2024, he became the first Australian to lead the 'THINK Aorta' campaign across Asia–Pacific.[17][18] In 2025 he was appointed to the board of Heart4Heart, an Australian patient-led charity.[12][19] He is often quoted in Australian media, provides keynotes where he shares his personal experience both as clinician and patient[20][21]. He also speaks on heart disease, overcoming adversity, resilience and encourages engagement with cardiovascular health[18][22][23][24]

Personal life

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Lester is married with one child.[18] His brother has also had prophylactic aortic surgery.[18]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Registraton Details". AHPRA and National Boards. AHPRA. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Meet Dr Geoff Lester: "I've been a patient longer than I've been a doctor."". Heart Foundation. Retrieved 16 September 2025.
  3. ^ "Aussies in the dark on major heart attack risk factor". Health Times. Associated Press. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Tales of a broken heart: How freakish visit to hospital saved this young doctor's life". InDaily QLD. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  5. ^ "Aussies in the dark on major heart attack risk factor". Perth Now. News Limited. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  6. ^ "'If we don't operate, you'll die': The night Geoff's life changed forever". The Australian. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Lochie thought he was 'too young' for cardiac issues. Then he passed out at work". The Herald Sun. News Limited. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  8. ^ "Geoff nearly died from a heart condition at 24. Here's what he wants you to know". SBS News. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  9. ^ Robinson, Francesca (27 January 2020). "Why I . . . take a lunch break". BMJ. 368: m238. doi:10.1136/bmj.m238. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  10. ^ "Heart disease survivor Geoff Lester wants to smash the stereotypes around cardiovascular disease". 7News. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  11. ^ "Heart disease survivor Geoff Lester wants to smash the stereotypes around cardiovascular disease". The Morning Show. 7 News. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  12. ^ a b c "Meet the Board". Hearts4Heart. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  13. ^ Postgraduate Thesis by Title. University of Sydney. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  14. ^ "A life transformed by a rare heart disease". Stories from the heart - podcast. Apple. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  15. ^ "Employment". ORCID. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  16. ^ "Physician registrar on his four open-heart surgeries: 'It's the scenic route through training". AusDoc. Retrieved 16 March 2025.[dead link]
  17. ^ "Inside News June 2025". Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists: 12. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  18. ^ a b c d "He collapsed with tearing chest pain. What happened next changed his life". Stuff. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  19. ^ "Giving Guide - Hearts4heart". Giving Guide. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
  20. ^ "Fatal cardiovascular condition missed in majority of cases". Health Industry Hub. HIH. 29 October 2025. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
  21. ^ "Winners Crowned!". Health Industry Hub. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
  22. ^ Meyerov, Lauren. "Fueling Young Hearts". The Social Blueprint. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
  23. ^ "Health Industry Hub Catalysts for Change - Guest Speaker". Health Industry Hub. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  24. ^ Fieldhouse, Rachel. "Should GPs auscultate every patient aged 65 or over for heart valve disease?". AusDoc. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
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