Dr Miklós Pohl OAM

Dr Miklós Pohl OAM is a Melbourne-based plastic surgeon, violinist, violist, and author. Born in Hungary, he fled with his family during the 1956 Revolution at the age of nine, arriving in Australia as a refugee via Austria. His mother enrolled him in violin lessons within the first week of arriving in Maitland, New South Wales, this commitment to music and education has shaped his entire life.

Miklós founded the Australian Doctors' Orchestra in 1993, bringing together medical professionals who share a deep love of music. The orchestra performs twice a year for medical charities, with all proceeds donated to the cause. He studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as an external student, took up the viola in 2008, and continues to play chamber music with groups across Australia and around the world.

His book Music Is Medicine, written with guidance from author Hazel Edwards OAM, celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Australian Doctors' Orchestra. It features 28 interviews with doctor-musicians alongside chapters on the joy of amateur music making. All proceeds support Motor Neuron Disease research.

At 78, Miklós still practises as a surgeon at the Skin Health Institute in Carlton and remains driven by the next musical challenge on his stand. He holds four languages, four sons, eight grandchildren, and a firm conviction that music is both a passport and a form of medicine.

Music Is Medicine is available on Amazon and Booktopia, or directly from Miklós by email. He asks that readers make a donation to Motor Neuron Disease research in lieu of a purchase price.