Ethos
Spinal conditions can be debilitating and complex. Already recognised as one of the leading orthopaedic and spinal surgeons in Sydney, Dr Ralph Stanford is committed to providing you with the highest quality service in management of your spine complaint. He
- Invests time to understand your condition.
- Conducts a thorough diagnosis.
- Considers all possible treatments – surgery is reserved for when it is of benefit.
- Devotes his skill and energy to your long-term health and well-being.
His passion is helping to restore adults with painful spinal conditions to a happier, more active life wherever he is able.
Dr Stanford is Head of Department of Orthopaedics at Prince of Wales Hospital.
Training
- Bachelor of Medical Science, University of Tasmania, 1985
- Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, University of Tasmania, 1988
- Surgical fellowship in Orthopaedics, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, 2000
- Advanced spinal fellowship, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 2001
- PhD University of New South Wales, 2002
- Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, 2003
Dr Ralph Stanford
Continuous Learning & Teaching
Dr Ralph Stanford has a life-long dedication to learning more about spinal conditions; and sharing his expertise with others.
I have always been fascinated by the spine. It is such a critical part of the human body. But also, one of the most complex. There is so much going on in and around it and so much more we can learn.
As a teacher Dr Ralph Stanford
- Is Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales.
- Conducts weekly tutorials with undergraduate students at the hospital.
- Supervisor of training for orthopaedic trainees, Prince of Wales Hospital.
- Education Secretary for the Spine Society of Australia.
- Been voted clinical teacher of the year, Prince of Wales Hospital clinical school, UNSW.
- Recently recognised for long term contribution to teaching at the Prince of Wales clinical school.
As a researcher and scientist, he is a well published author and
- Honorary Senior Scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA).
- Previously Chair of the board of the Spinal Cord Injury Network.
The Spinal Cord Injury Network is dedicated to improving outcomes for people with spinal cord injury. It brings together a wide range of experts to enhance research through collaboration and provision of grants and scholarships for further research. Chair 2016 to 2018. - Principal investigator on two major clinical trials in spine surgery.
- Randomised trial of riluzole in acute spinal cord injury, part of an international collaboration. Riluzole is a drug intended to improve recovery of function of the spinal cord after injury. Funded by AO Spine, an international not-for-profit research organisation.
- Randomised trial of lumbar spine decompression surgery for symptoms of stenosis. Part of a national collaborative study funded by the NHMRC.