Spotlight on
Robbie Svoboda, MD
Journey into Medicine – Another Road Created
Dr. Robbie Svoboda, a Richmond native and spinal
Robbie’s injury ignited his natural curiosity, fueling
cord injury survivor, and Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI)
intense research and analysis on numerous solutions
resident from VCU’s School of Medicine, says, “When
that were not forthcoming. He says, “I was always
I’m with a patient, I really understand what they are
inquisitive about the latest therapies or treatments.
going through.” Thanks to his close-knit family and an
Unfortunately, I concluded that there was no miracle
army of lifelong friends, he has navigated the twists and
cure, and it was up to me to adjust to life using a
turns of his injury along with the rigors of four years of
wheelchair.”
medical school in Savannah, GA. His older sister Kerry says, “He is a great doctor because he’s sustained what his patients are experiencing. He knows all their emotions and fears. That is an amazing benefit of him choosing to be in the healthcare profession.” Robbie
Throughout his recovery, Robbie pushed doctors and therapists for ideas and a
is motivated by a desire to help others find a new path
better understanding of his injury. He
just as he did.
recalls one of his doctors saying, “I
During his undergraduate years at Hampden-Sydney College, Robbie started out pre-med but shifted to Economics at the advice of his physician father. After graduation, Robbie’s interest in finance and money management took him to New York City and Atlanta where he worked for a wealth manager. His
enjoy talking with you about medical problems. You’d be a good doctor if
you ever wanted to go that route.” That suggestion changed the trajectory of his life.
entrepreneurial spirit and easygoing manner worked well in business. In 2008, Robbie attended a friend’s wedding and while dancing fell down a flight of stairs. The fall damaged his spine and left him paralyzed from the waist down. With an unfailing sense of humor, he quips, “They’re still married!” An outpouring of love and support from family and friends helped him in the immediate aftermath of the injury and during his recovery. Since SAI, with dedicated spinal cord injury care (SCI) care was not yet open, Robbie and his family sought specialized rehab care in Atlanta. In fact, his older sister, Kerry, moved to Atlanta for three years to support him. She recalls, “Robbie is a strong and kind individual. He had a huge group of friends who visited him during his rehabilitation. People from all over the country just kept coming to check on him. It was amazing.” Robbie and his mother
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