Professor Munjed Al Muderis

Professor Munjed Al Muderis is a leading Hip Surgeon, Knee Surgeon, and Osseointegration and Limb Lengthening Specialist based in Australia.

He is the discipline lead of the Limb Reconstruction Centre at MQ Health in Sydney. He is a clinical lecturer at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Professor Munjed Al Muderis has made significant contributions to the medical world through his pioneering work in osseointegration surgery, particularly in the development of titanium prosthetic implants.

Born in 1972, in Iraq, his journey from a tumultuous upbringing to becoming an esteemed clinical professor in Australia showcases his unwavering dedication to medicine.

Munjed’s early life was marked by privilege and adversity. Raised in Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s regime, his family had both influence and integrity, with his father being a former judge and his uncle a descendant of the royal family. Despite this, his mother’s refusal to join the Ba’ath Party led to her demotion as a school principal. Munjed pursued a medical career, graduating from Baghdad University in 1997.

The Gulf War erupted during his second year of medical school, forcing him to witness the horrors of war and the aftermath of the Basra uprising. In 1999, Munjed faced a harrowing decision while working as a junior surgeon at Saddam Hussein Medical Centre. Ordered to amputate the ears of army draft evaders, he chose to flee, escaping to Jordan, then Kuala Lumpur, and eventually reaching Australia.

His arrival in Australia wasn’t without hardships; he spent 10 months in an immigration detention centre in Western Australia. Despite the adversity, Munjed persevered, eventually securing a position at Mildura Base Hospital. He continued to advance his career, travelling to various countries for specialised fellowships and courses.

Munjed’s most notable achievement is in the field of osseointegration surgery. He developed a revolutionary titanium prosthetic implant that addresses previous limitations faced by amputees. This innovative approach allows for direct anchoring to the bone, enabling sensory feedback and improved mobility. Patients from around the world seek his expertise in this groundbreaking procedure.

He’s not only a skilled surgeon but also a dedicated educator, supervising trainee registrars and orthopaedic surgeons in hip and knee pathology.

Beyond his surgical prowess, Munjed is a humanitarian and author.

Professor Munjed Al Muderis’s extraordinary contributions to the field of orthopaedic surgery, particularly in osseointegration, have transformed the lives of countless individuals. His commitment to advancing medical technology and his tireless advocacy for amputees have earned him recognition, including a royal audience with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry.

As a testament to his dedication, he was nominated for the 2020 NSW Australian of the Year award, celebrating his profound impact on both medicine and humanity.

Humanitarian Work

Ambassadorship for “Unbroken” Project in Ukraine

In February 2023, Munjed assumed the role of ambassador for the “Unbroken” project in Ukraine. This appointment came after he led an Australian medical team in performing over 20 highly intricate limb reconstructions and prosthetic operations at the hospital of the First Medical Association of Lviv.

Returning to Iraq to Make a Difference
Funding these missions from his own resources, Munjed has embarked on seven journeys to his native Iraq.

These trips are dedicated to assisting the victims of the conflict he had fled, and he plays a pivotal role in educating fellow orthopaedic surgeons in the specialized osseointegration technique and complex limb reconstruction.

In 2023, he revisited Iraq and provided care to over 150 patients.

Championing Human Rights with Amnesty International

Munjed is deeply committed to championing human rights and has been instrumental in advancing this cause through his collaboration with Amnesty International.

Notably, he took the lead in delivering the 2015 Human Rights Lecture. He has been a vocal advocate on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers, using various public speaking engagements and lectures as platforms to raise awareness about their plight.

Australian Red Cross Ambassador

In 2015, Munjed assumed the role of an Australian ambassador for the Red Cross. Within this capacity, he has worked tirelessly to dispel misconceptions surrounding asylum-seeking in Australia.

His efforts included participating in a panel discussion during a live screening of the SBS program “Go Back To Where You Came From,” all aimed at fostering a more compassionate and empathetic community.

A Patron of the Asylum Seekers Centre

Munjed has served as a patron for the Asylum Seekers Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing both personal and practical support to individuals seeking asylum in Australia.

Extending Compassion to Cambodian Patients

On September 20, 2015, Munjed visited patients at the Children’s Surgical Centre in Cambodia. During this visit, he administered osseointegration procedures to enhance the lives of these patients.

Contribution to Asylum and Refugee Policy

Munjed actively participated in a high-level round table discussion on asylum and refugee policy at Parliament House on July 11, 2014. This event ultimately gave rise to the influential report “Beyond The Boats: forging a sustainable asylum and refugee policy.” During these discussions, he drew on his own experiences as a refugee, contributing to the exploration of a fresh perspective on asylum seeker policy.