Harry Eeman: Doctors with disabilities

Dr. Harry Eeman, a rehabilitation medicine physician and chronic pain specialist, sat down with our Academic team member Angi to discuss his unique experience as a patient with GBS. Harry was a young medical student when he was struck down by a severe form of Gillian-Barré Syndrome whilst backpacking in Europe. After years of rehabilitation he recommenced his studies and completed medicine as a quadriplegic which required overcoming a number of physical and attitudinal barriers. Eventually he graduated with honours and subsequently completed two postgraduate specialist qualifications. Harry hopes to be able to inspire people who face similar obstacles in their lives by working as a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician, aiming to empower people suffering from chronic pain. Additionally, he is now the acting Clinical Director of a large chronic pain management unit within a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne. All of this he juggles with living independently and trying to be the best father he can be to his three year old son!