World’s first quadriplegic doctor, Australian of the year and author - Dinesh Palipana is speaking at FYI Training

Since being named Australian of the Year, Dinesh Palipana has become one of the most in-demand speakers on the Australian circuit, sharing his remarkable story of overcoming adversity and his work as a doctor and disability rights advocate.

Now, he's coming to FYI Training to share his insights on what it takes to succeed against the odds.

As someone who has achieved so much in such a short space of time, Dinesh is an inspiration to us all and we're honoured to have him speaking at our training centre.

Here is a fascinating video by ABC News that documents some of his journey.

Video description (copied from ABC Youtube):

When medical student Dinesh Palipana was left a quadriplegic after a horrific car accident, he was told he would never become a doctor.

Unable to feel anything in his arms and legs, he knew as a third year medical student that his spine had been damaged and his life had changed forever.

Not even his best friends thought he would be able to finish medical school.

Eight years later, he's one of the top young medicos working in busy Gold Coast University Hospital.

* This episode aired on Australian Story 2018.

* In November 2020, Dinesh was named the Queensland Australian of the Year.

Pictured: Dr Dinesh Palipana at the Queensland Australian of the year Awards ceremony.

Image credit: Salty Dingo Media, 2020

In 2022 Dr Palipana released his autobiography “Stronger”. The book was met with glowing reviews and topped bestseller lists around the world, including Amazon booksellers top 100 in multiple categories.

Below is the excerpt from the book’s blurb:

A puddle of water on a highway changed Dinesh Palipana's life forever. Halfway through medical school, Dinesh was involved in a catastrophic car accident that caused a cervical spinal cord injury. After his accident, his strength and determination saw him return to complete medical school - now with quadriplegia. Dinesh was the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland, and the second person with quadriplegia to graduate medical school in Australia.

Despite all of the pain and hardship he's faced, Dinesh now sees his accident as a turning point for the better in his life. He believes it has made him a better doctor, with a better grasp of the concerns and fears of his patients, and a more sensitive, open human. He fights for equal and equitable access for disabled people, and is a compassionate and skilled doctor working in one of Australia's busiest hospitals.

After everything he's been through, Dinesh believes he is now happier, stronger and more capable than he was before the accident. It helped him to clarify what is important in his life, and taught him that happiness and strength can always be found within.

Praise for “Stronger”

'Dinesh's spirit of positivity and his love of life is astonishing. Thoughtful, powerful and moving, Stronger is an exemplar of resilience' - Dr Richard Harris

'Dinesh Palipana is an incredible leader who has challenged the limits of mindset and belief. His contribution to Australia will be felt for generations.' - Kurt Fearnley

‘I am certain Dr Dinesh will leave a footprint of leadership, dedication, compassion and strength in many generations to come. This book is a testament of his courage and selfless nature to inspire the coming generations.’ - Amazon Reviewer from Brisbane, QLD

Stronger is available wherever good books are sold and is available in print, audiobook and ebook formats.

Dr Dinesh is joining us on February 1st to speak to our students studying their Certificate IV Disability, however all students and staff are welcome to attend the event.

For an invitation to the Microsoft Teams meeting, email us at info@fyitraining.com.au.

For more information about the certificate IV in Disability or to talk to us about the upcoming event, call us on 1300 884 133.