Dr Mario D'Cruz

Since his surgical training was interrupted by a road accident in 2001, Mario has been both a quadriplegic and a medical practitioner. Advancing spinal academic and clinical research is as important to Mario at a personal level as it is scientifically.

He conducts a medical practice focused on people living with spinal and mobility impairment. A medical educator, he teaches university and secondary students in Biological Sciences, Medicine, Surgery, Clinical Practice and Spinal Research.

Having a unique understanding of spinal impairment, its management and the importance of research, in improving the lives of people like himself, Mario addresses peer groups, scientific meetings and corporate organisations on medical and motivational matters.

Mario collaborated with the University of Melbourne and Stem Cells Australia in developing and publishing a comprehensive internet directory and information resource for all the major stem cell research trials in all the medical specialties being conducted globally.

Mario has been an Investigating Officer with the Victorian & Australian Medical Boards and is a committee member at the Australian Quadriplegic Association – SPIRE.

Convinced of the beneficial value of peer mentoring in his own recovery, Mario regularly spends time mentoring and coaching his peers with spinal impairment.