Dr Taro Okamoto

MBBS, FRACS, FAOrthA

Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand specialist

Dr Taro Okamoto is an Orthopaedic surgeon sub-specialising in the upper limb from shoulder to hand. Taro treats pain and loss of function related to injury or wearing and overuse in the adult, paediatric and athlete population.

Taro was born in Melbourne and moved to Perth at the age of 9. He graduated from medical school at the University of Western Australia and completed his surgical training in Western Australia with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association. After completion of his general orthopaedic training, Taro sought subspecialist training overseas. He had the opportunity to learn from and work with world leaders around the globe. This included several upper limb specialist centres in Japan, specialists in shoulder surgery in Switzerland, and he completed a hand and elbow Fellowship with the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. His work overseas focused on novel techniques including joint replacement and reconstructive techniques, arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery, nerve surgery, and microsurgery.

Taro’s goal is to tailor his treatment to the specific needs and hopes of every individual. Together with the patient, the focus will be on finding the best option for each person’s unique circumstances, aiming for a return to pain free function. He utilises advanced surgical techniques and works closely with physiotherapy and occupational hand therapists to help patients restore their previous function, whether that be sporting, work, or activities of daily living.

Taro has a strong interest in volunteer surgery and outreach projects in low resource settings. He has completed surgical missions in Madagascar, Honduras and Guatemala, and would love to share stories of these experiences when there is a chance!

Taro loves the ocean and the bush. He is a keen four-wheel driver, camper, fisherman and freediver and has enjoyed these hobbies during regional work in Broome, Derby, Bunbury, Busselton and Albany.

He has lived in 5 different countries and travelled to over 60 countries. He can speak fluent English, Japanese, German, Swiss German, and basic French and Spanish.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery - MBBS
• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons - FRACS(Ortho)
• Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association - FAOrthA
• Lifetime member of the British Columbia Hand & wrist Surgical Society

Consulting and Operating at

• Coastal Orthopaedics - Bethesda Hospital, Claremont and Wexford Medical Centre, Murdoch
• St John of God Hospital, Subiaco
• Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
• Fremantle Hospital
• Osborne Park Hospital