Medical science served MotoGP legend Mick Doohan well, helping to extend a glittering, all-conquering but injury-riddled career.
The five-time world champion from the Gold Coast has now reconnected with medical science after joining the Griffith Health Institute’s Development Board.
Managing director of the Gold Coast Bulletin, Sylvia Bradshaw has also taken up membership of the Board.
“I have no doubt that medical research played a key part in literally keeping me on track,” Mick Doohan said at the final Board meeting of 2011.
Before last week’s meeting he met Griffith Health Institute researchers during a tour of laboratories with Professor Lyn Griffiths, director of the Griffith Health Institute.
Along with the glory and chequered flags, his racing career through the 1990s was also punctuated by a litany of severe injuries including broken legs, hands, feet, collarbones, wrists and a finger that had to be reattached.
“Perhaps my body should have been donated to medical research a long time ago,” he said.
“In all seriousness, I probably would never have won a world championship at all were it not for a vital and brilliant medical intervention when gangrene threatened my career in 1992 after a crash.
“I owe a huge slice of my success to medical science and I am delighted to have this opportunity to give something back as a member of the Griffith Health Institute Development Board.”
The Board was established in 2010 to develop the profile of health and medical research projects at the Griffith Health Institute, to provide strategic development advice and to assist the Institute in fundraising and support initiatives.
The Board is chaired by mining magnate Professor Clive Palmer and its membership brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the Institute.
“The Development Board is playing a key role in strategically raising awareness of the Griffith Health Institute and the importance of our research,” Professor Griffiths said.
“Through the support of the wider community, we are able to persevere and pursue the type of scientific breakthroughs that we believe will lead to the future prevention of chronic disease and bring about healthier communities in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and further afield.
“The addition of Sylvia and Mick to the Board’s membership is undoubtedly a great boost to these efforts and I’m sure will trigger new and extensive interest in research at the Griffith Health Institute.”