Rob trained at Otago University gaining his degree in Orthopaedics through the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association's training programme between 1985 and 1989. He continued his training at Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital at Exeter, United Kingdom, 1989 - 1990 and Royal Brisbane Hospital 1990 -1992.

He was appointed to Hutt Hospital as an orthopaedic surgeon in 1992 and started in private practice at Boulcott Hospital the same year. A large proportion of Rob's practice involves arthroscopic surgery and hip and knee replacements but he has a special interest in lower limb surgery.