Profile

The breadth of Rowan Story’s career and achievements is truly remarkable. He is a lawyer, a leading oral and maxillofacial surgeon and teacher and is an Air Commodore in the Royal Australian Air Force.

He holds multiple degrees, including three from La Trobe University and in 2001 was appointed a member in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for services to dentistry as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, educator and administrator.

One of La Trobe’s earliest graduates he was among a generation of student activists who campaigned for change and social justice. It was a time of high ideals. Rowan left La Trobe, feeling a responsibility to give back to the community through volunteer service – a principle which has guided him through his extraordinary life.

Of his many achievements, it’s Rowan’s volunteer work to restore smiles to kids in Viet Nam affected by cleft palate and other mouth and jaw deformities that continues to bring him the most satisfaction.

What is your current position?

I am an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in private practice in Melbourne. I am an emeritus senior consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Southern Health where I was the head of unit in my specialty from 1987 to 2007. I have a part-time role as an Air Commodore in the Royal Australian Air Force where I am the Director General Health Reserves – Air Force. I also teach law and ethics at the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and Monash University. Since 1998 I have been leading an annual, cleft palate surgical team to Ho Chi Minh City in Viet Nam.

Describe the path you have taken to get to where you are today?

After postgraduate study in Melbourne and Scotland I started practice in Melbourne. I had been a defence force reservist as an undergraduate and continued this involvement. I worked as a visiting consultant at several teaching hospitals in Melbourne. During this time I became involved in committees and this ultimately led me to being a ministerial appointee to the Dental Board of Victoria and ultimately President of the Board. This experience generated an intense interest in the law. When I left the Dental Board I was fortunate in being accepted into the La Trobe LLB. This was a significant experience in my life and gave me a fresh perspective on my role in society. My defence career continued in the Royal Australian Air Force and I was posted as Director General Health Reserves – Air Force on promotion to Air Commodore in 2011. In this role I am responsible for the recruiting, training and support of all health reservists in Air Force.

What is your personal philosophy?

Life is endlessly fascinating. Live in the moment. Seize opportunities. Be engaged. Never stop learning. Keep moving.

What is your greatest career highlight?

Establishing the first oral and maxillofacial surgery unit at Monash Medical Centre Melbourne in 1987 as a solo practitioner, and seeing the unit develop into a major teaching unit that is also deeply involved with the volunteer surgery program in Viet Nam.

How has La Trobe encouraged you to make a difference?

At three times in my life La Trobe University enabled me to gain qualifications and knowledge that I needed or wanted. The vigour and enthusiasm of the teaching staff and the feeling of support from the university as a whole encouraged me to put something back.

Do you have any advice for those starting out in their careers?

Achieve professional mastery. Read widely - not only in your chosen field. Consider your place in society and how you can contribute through leadership, mentoring others or volunteering.

Where to from here?

My aim is to complete a successful posting in the RAAF in 2014 and eventually transition from private practice into an environment where my legal training will be useful. I would like to become more involved with La Trobe University. Keep looking for challenges and opportunities in life. Keep learning.

What is your lasting impression of La Trobe?

Gratitude.

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