Dr. Robert Perlau’s journey into medicine began in Grade 12, inspired by a love of science, first aid at swimming classes, and, somewhat unexpectedly, the character B.J. Hunnicutt from MASH. “I chose Orthopedic Surgery a bit later, after completing a two-year family medicine residency and working as a rural GP for one year,” he explains. Surgical rotations as an intern drew him increasingly to the field. “It was a natural fit for me since my Dad was a house builder and orthopedics has a lot in common with carpentry.”
Alberta was always home. Born and raised in Edmonton and educated in both Edmonton and Calgary, Dr. Perlau returned after a one-year orthopedic fellowship in the United States. “Families of my first wife and I were all in Alberta. It was always our goal to return home, to a large or mid-sized city,” he says. Red Deer, where he has practiced since 1994, offered the right combination of community hospital and university affiliation. “Surgical specialties historically have been well-remunerated and supported in Alberta relative to other provinces,” he notes.
Balancing a surgical career with life outside the hospital has not always been easy. “In training and practice, the biggest challenge has always been attaining a good work/home/life balance; surgery can be a harsh mistress,” Dr. Perlau admits. Exhausting on-call schedules contributed to the end of his first marriage. “I had to make a paradigm shift after the divorce - to work less, set aside quality time to see my children and stay healthy in all areas of life. I eventually remarried ten years later.”
Residency gave him the technical foundation to handle orthopedic cases in the office and the operating room, but it offered little guidance on managing a practice or navigating the personal stresses of a surgical career. “It didn’t prepare me for all the life stresses and pitfalls that come with being a busy surgeon,” he reflects.
These early experiences, combined with the small-group, Socratic-style teaching he valued in medical school and residency, inspired his lifelong commitment to educating others. He found immense satisfaction in guiding medical students and residents, carrying forward the spirit of mentorship that had shaped his own training.
Looking to the future, Dr. Perlau hopes Alberta’s healthcare system remains strong. “It should be bright, with its storied history, two great universities and a strong AMA,” he says. At the same time, he expresses concern about recent policy shifts and the challenges they pose. “Perhaps the new crop of resident physicians will become more political than my generation - this seems increasingly important in these unstable times.”
Among his proudest accomplishments is establishing the orthopedic teaching program in Red Deer for U of A Rural Family Medicine residents from 2000 to 2020 and subsequently publishing Shortcut to Orthopaedics (Brush Education, 2015), a textbook based on these teaching seminars. Recognition followed, including teaching awards from both the University of Alberta and University of Calgary, and the PARA Clinical Teaching Excellence Award in 2013. “Being elevated to Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Alberta was also gratifying - an unusual rank among community hospital medical staff,” he notes.
For Dr. Perlau, medicine is more than a career - it is a calling. “It demands a lot, but the rewards far outweigh the financial and lifestyle benefits. You can really touch people’s lives and make them better. The many little thank-you cards I’ve received from patients over the years are very special to me.” He emphasizes the importance of foundational skills: “Learn the foundations of good communication and honesty, coupled with competence in your field, early in your training - they will serve you well for a lifetime of practice.”
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of his development. “I had many mentors who inspired me to be a good surgeon, teacher, and, above all, to embrace my humanity,” he says. He cites Dr. Richard Buckley and Dr. Gerry Kiefer from Calgary residency, Dr. Robert McMurtry from his Calgary fellowship and Dr. Michael Wilson from his Boston fellowship. “These individuals taught me to work hard, be honest and kind, and showed that humility and patience are essential in medicine.”
Outside the hospital, Dr. Perlau applies the discipline of his medical training to other pursuits. “Being a physician has helped me be disciplined with my time and energy - you only have so much to give,” he says. Teaching non-medical audiences and writing on philosophy and spiritual life have been natural extensions of his career, allowing him to explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of medicine he finds so compelling.
Looking back on his career and forward to the next generation, Dr. Perlau offers a simple, powerful message: “Medicine is about more than fixing bones - it’s about building people. Be compassionate. Be curious. Be honest. Embrace the humanity in every patient, every student, every colleague. And remember: your dedication and your voice can leave a mark far beyond the operating room.”
