A/Prof David Szmulewicz
David Szmulewicz is a Neurologist, Neuro-otologist and medical researcher.
David holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne. His clinical and research interests include balance disorders that affect the vestibular system, cerebellum, and the combination of the two. He is the founding head of the Balance Disorders & Ataxia Service at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, honorary consultant Neurologist at St Vincent’s Hospital, Principal Research Fellow and Neurologist with the Neurodegeneration Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Lecturer at Melbourne University. David is lead investigator on research defining a novel ataxia – Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS), a project looking at improved methods of imbalance diagnosis, as well as the development of an interactive vertigo assessment tool (iVAT), an objective bedside test of imbalance – the video VVOR, and development of novel technology to aid in the diagnosis and management of ataxia and balance disorders.
David supervises students on various research projects which look at ways of improving balance disorder diagnosis and treatment. He is a reviewer for several medical and scientific journals in the area of balance disorders, and the author of balance disorder fact sheets for the Better Health Channel, the Victorian Department of Health’s consumer health information website.
David is also a regular presenter and honorary advisor to the Spinocerebellar Ataxia Australia Inc (SCAA), a patient support group for those with cerebellar ataxia.
David is regularly involved in training medical students, trainee specialty doctors, specialty physiotherapists and audiologists in general neurology as well as balance disorders and a regular presenter at local and international conferences.
David is not taking new patients privately, however, continues to see new patients with Cerebellar Ataxia at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
Awards received:
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN) Jim Lance Young Investigator Award
- Awarded Membership of the Melbourne Medical School Academy of Clinical Teachers in recognition of outstanding contribution to teaching medical students at The University of Melbourne
- National Health and Medical Research Foundation PhD scholarship
- Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation PhD scholarship
- Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)
- GlaxoSmithKline physician advanced trainee Prize
- VicHealth award for outstanding achievement in the field of health promotion
- University of Tasmania Dean’s Roll of Excellence for outstanding academic performance
- Golden Key International Honour Society
- NHMRC Early Career Fellowship
- NHMRC Project Grant
- NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarships
Professional memberships:
- Barany Society (The International Society for Neuro-Otology)
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN)
- Neuro-Otology Society of Australia (NOTSA)
- Australian Medical Association (AMA)
Media Apperances:
- Channel 9 news : Gandel Omniax system in the management of benign paroxysmal positional nystagmus
- Spin doctors: Identifying and treating human balance disorders. University of Melbourne online, audio talk show of research, opinion and analysis.
- Dizziness: the key for diagnosing balance disorders is in the eyes. ABC Radio Melbourne 774
- The importance and methods for testing balance. Einstein A Go-Go (science program). RRR FM radio
