A Hobart-based pain specialist who once treated patients in some of the world’s remotest corners is now using his brush, not a scalpel, to support Tasmanians.
Dr Gajinder Oberoi, a familiar name in pain medicine across Tasmania, has begun donating proceeds from his artworks and book to the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation (RHHRF), aiming to boost local patient care and medical research.
It marks a new chapter for a man whose career began in India, took him to Papua New Guinea, and finally settled in Tasmania three decades ago. “I have been helping people around the world manage their pain for the past four decades, of which almost thirty years in Tasmania, and I want to keep giving back to my community that has given me so much,” he said.
Dr Oberoi was instrumental in building the specialist pain services at the Royal Hobart Hospital and establishing Tasmania’s first accredited training program in pain medicine. But he credits Hobart not just for his professional milestones, but for giving him something harder to find elsewhere—time.
“Living here gave me something rare—time,” he explained. “In bigger cities, commuting takes hours. But in Hobart, everything is close. That gave me the space to think, connect deeply with patients, and eventually create.”
His artistic path began almost unintentionally. Over years of clinical practice, he found himself sketching basic anatomical diagrams to help patients visualise their pain. Those quick drawings, meant to clarify and reassure, eventually took on a life of their own.
“Meeting so many patients, their carers and families and getting their respect and appreciation about my clinical sketches gave me immense encouragement and strength to pursue my expressive pursuits in art and writing,” he said.
During the long stillness of COVID lockdowns, Dr Oberoi returned to those sketches. The result was a creative burst that saw him not only painting but also publishing a book, Stories That Remain Untold.
The proceeds from both his artworks and the book now go directly to the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation. Steph Furler, CEO of RHHRF, said his decision to support the Foundation was deeply meaningful.
“Dr Oberoi’s generosity is extraordinary. He has already left a lasting legacy through his work as a doctor, and now he’s supporting future health improvements for Tasmanians in such a thoughtful, creative way,” she said.
Now semi-retired, Dr Oberoi remains active in the community through painting, writing, and supporting research that reflects his lifelong mission: to help people live with less pain.
Those interested in viewing or commissioning his work can contact him directly at oberoi@netspace.net.au. His book is also available, with all proceeds supporting the Foundation’s efforts.
For a man who once pioneered pain services in Papua New Guinea, trained generations of doctors in Tasmania, and now uses art to connect with people in a different way, the motivation hasn’t changed. It’s still about care, connection, and contribution—just expressed through different tools.
More information about the Foundation is available at rhhresearchfoundation.org.
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