Back On My Feet

The inspirational story of how a rehabilitation doctor overcame her devastating spinal injury with faith and determination, and changed her life and practice as a result.

In September 2008, Dr Olivia Ong was struck by a car and suffered a catastrophic spinal injury. Her prognosis was devastating – she would never walk again. The future she had envisioned – practising medicine, having children and sharing life’s simple joys with her husband, family and friends – seemed to slip away.

What followed was an extraordinary journey of resilience, requiring years of intensive physical therapy, unwavering determination and the relentless support of her loved ones. Against the odds, Olivia regained the ability to walk and returned to medicine, specialising in rehabilitation and pain management.

Olivia also discovered something profound as she transformed in heart and mind: self-compassion. This newfound empathy not only made her stronger, it also made her a better human being and doctor, one who truly understands and values the process of healing. Olivia now practises in a way that offers her patients hope, giving insight and motivation to anyone struggling in a situation that seems beyond their control.

Back On My Feet is for anyone facing adversity, anyone searching for hope and anyone who loves a powerful, inspirational story of perseverance.

Author Biography

Award-winning physician-entrepreneur and public speaker, known online as the Heart-Centred Doctor, Dr Olivia Ong is a Melbourne-based rehabilitation medicine and pain physician with 20 years of clinical experience. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and online educator. Olivia lives in Mont Albert, Melbourne.