Spotlight on Robbie Svoboda, MD Journey into Medicine – Another Road Created

Dr. Robbie Svoboda, a Richmond native and spinal cord injury survivor, and Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI) resident from VCU’s School of Medicine, says, “When I’m with a patient, I really understand what they are going through.” Thanks to his close-knit family and an army of lifelong friends, he has navigated the twists and turns of his injury along with the rigors of four years of 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 is motivated by a desire to help others find a new path just as he did.

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 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’s injury ignited his natural curiosity, fueling intense research and analysis on numerous solutions that were not forthcoming. He says, “I was always inquisitive about the latest therapies or treatments. Unfortunately, I concluded that there was no miracle cure, and it was up to me to adjust to life using a wheelchair.”

Throughout his recovery, Robbie pushed doctors and therapists for ideas and a better understanding of his injury. He recalls one of his doctors saying, “I enjoy talking with you about medical problems. You’d be a good doctor if you ever wanted to go that route.”

In July 2020, after four years of medical school at Mercer University School of Medicine, Robbie was accepted into the VCU School of Medicine Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency program. Thanks to years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, he is currently in his final year of residency and rotates between VCUH, the Veterans Administration, and SAI. Robbie brings his medical knowledge, combined with SAI’s core values of positivity and courage, to patient care.

He shares his personal journey with patients who may be frightened, confused and angry after a traumatic injury. Robbie explains, “Even though one of the roads washed out, another road is created, but it might take a while to find it.” In his residency, he is helping various types of patients who have suffered a stroke or brain or spinal cord injuries. “I like to talk to people and hear their stories.

Kerry’s relationship with her younger brother is special; she considers him her best friend. She knows Robbie as capable and independent. “I think Robbie is one of the strongest and neatest people I know. His ability to stay positive and never complain about anything” Kerry notes “shows such incredible grace.” Robbie’s mother has also supported him every step of the way.

Robbie’s family is thrilled with his achievements as well as the scientific advancements happening at SAI. Kerry says, “We need more people to be aware of spinal cord injuries so money can help fuel research. SAI is doing such a great job raising awareness to address these injuries.”

Robbie Svoboda embodies the Sheltering Arms spirit in his professional and personal life.

Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Program

This program began in 1970 to improve care and outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI Model Systems provide a transdisciplinary system of physical rehabilitative care from emergency services to rehabilitation care to reentry into full community life. Model Systems also conduct research, provide education, and translate information with a goal of improving long-term functional, cognitive, and quality of life outcomes for individuals living with a spinal cord injury.

Sheltering Arms Institute is one of 18 federally recognized Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems in the country and the only one in Virginia. SAI offers state-of-the-science spinal cord injury care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Also, our medical and adaptive fitness program offers programs such as Neurofit to help patients through their recovery journey.

Congratulations Dr. Svoboda on your ability to help others find the Power to Overcome!

I Get Back Than I Give

Valerie Boggess joined the Sheltering Arms team more than twenty-four years ago on the pool desk at Bon Air.

Valerie split her time between patient access and the community recreation program, which has evolved into our Partner for L.I.F.E program.

Sheltering Arms has provided Valerie with opportunities to learn more about the community we serve. With a keen sense of observation, she learned to communicate with a patient with aphasia by observing her facial expressions.

Fourteen years ago, Valerie began working at Club Rec’s new Midtown location – it was a “temporary” assignment that she never left. She loves the interactions she’s had with patients, team members, and most of all Club Rec members. “I love watching patients and Club Rec members push beyond the boundaries that have been set for them.”

Valerie and her husband, Claude made their first gift to Sheltering Arms in 2013, supporting Club Rec and Annual Giving. They give to Club Rec to provide new experiences and to help members live their Life Beyond Limits.