Miklós Pohl OAM Professional Longevity: Music, Medicine, and Sustained Practice Beyond 70

Dr Miklós Pohl OAM at 78 shows how expertise sustains professional longevity across medicine, chamber music, and publishing

His Wisepreneurs conversation explores how sustained creative engagement supports professional longevity and cognitive vitality for experienced professionals who have no intention of retiring.

A Melbourne-based plastic surgeon, violinist, and founder of the Australian Doctors Orchestra, Miklós Pohl arrived in Australia as a nine-year-old refugee from Hungary during the 1956 Revolution. Music has been a constant thread through seven decades of professional life, from childhood violin lessons to performing across the globe.

During COVID, he wrote Music Is Medicine, featuring interviews with 28 doctor-musicians alongside his own reflections on amateur music making. The book was self-published through community pre-orders, with all proceeds going to Motor Neuron Disease research.

At the Skin Health Institute in Carlton, Dr Miklós Pohl continues part-time clinical work while planning his next musical adventure at the Aldeburgh Festival in the UK.

Wisepreneurs explores how women over 50 monetize expertise and build sustainable solopreneur practice.

Contact: mikipohl1@icloud.com

Book: Music Is Medicine by Dr Miklós Pohl OAM (Amazon, Booktopia, or direct from the author with proceeds to Motor Neuron Disease research)

People mentioned

Hazel Edwards OAM -- Author and writing mentor (Wisepreneurs Episode 43)
Dr Michael Best (Wisepreneurs Episode 76)
Laurie Smale (Wisepreneurs Episode 70)
Chris Martin -- Professional violist, first conductor of the Australian Doctor's Orchestra
Rowan Thomas -- Anaesthetist, concert master for 12 years
Professor Benny Friedman -- Professor of Medicine, Sydney University
Philip Griffin -- Plastic surgeon and violist (deceased)
Tom Samek -- Artist (Hobart), book proceeds dedicated in his memory

Organisations and places

Australian Doctor's Orchestra (founded 1993)
Skin Health Institute, Carlton, Melbourne
Mount Buller Chamber Summer School for Strings
Amateur Chamber Music Players (international network)
Aldeburgh Festival (Snape Maltings), UK
Leopold Auer Festival, Veszprém, Hungary
The Barge, Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Please Donate to Motor Neuron Disease, Victoria: MND Victoria