Retrospectoscope:

(hypothetical, slang, humorous)

an instrument for measuring and viewing life more clearly through hindsight.


The only thing certain in this life, is uncertainty.


Dr Bruce Powell is a dynamic writer, speaker, podcaster, and advocate.

A former critical care specialist and organ donation leader, Bruce draws on both his clinical background and lived experience to tell stories that matter.



From being prolifically published as a researcher in medical journals designed for academics, today Bruce’s writing is infinitely more accessible. His work is wide ranging, grounded, often darkly funny, and always human.


Bruce has drawn on the same lived experience that took him from leading emergency departments to becoming a patient in one. Based in Western Australia, Bruce is sought after nationally and internationally for his distinctive voice, unique insight, and unpretentious style.


Today, Bruce shares his perspective through writing and speaking engagements, connecting with audiences from all walks of life.


His story has been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald and ABC Radio. He speaks on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and related issues internationally.

Advocacy

Raise awareness, shape policy and support Brain Injury.

Speaking

Brain injury, resilience and recovery.

Organ donation system leadership.

Living with uncertainty and life reinvention.

Identity shifts post-trauma.

Life storytelling and reflective practice.

Writing

From a prolific published medical researcher to now writing about stories that help, inform and entertain.

Podcast

Imagine waking up in a familiar room where nothing is as you remember it.

Imagine knowing what you are, but not who.

Imagine losing your direction and sense of self.


Episode 1 

FUBARBuNDY


Waking up in Intensive Care, “F**ked Up Beyond All Recognition But Not Dead Yet”, Dr Bruce Powell tries to make sense of what has happened.

Episode 2 

All Change


Becoming an optimist, starting to make some sense of the traumatic events of that September day.

Episode 3

Christmas Day in Intensive Care


Despite being an experienced Intensive Care doctor, it is hard to understand what has happened. Paranoia, confusion and euphoria make a complex cocktail.

Episode 4

Trauma Unit and the Great Escape


Despite being an experienced Intensive Care doctor, it is hard to understand what has happened. Paranoia, confusion and euphoria make a complex cocktail.

Insights

There’s nothing like a brain injury to develop your empathy and grow your perspective. Bruce is a prolific writer both in short and long form. Here is your pass inside his mind!

Psychology is Hard (Editing is Harder)

August 8, 2025
More editors than psychologists.
Dr Bruce Powell standing beside his award-winning poster, voted Best Poster at the World Congress on Brain Injury in Montreal.

FUBARBUNDY

May 28, 2025
Voted the Best Poster at the World Congress on Brain Injury in Montreal.  What a journey, halfway across the world to offer my poster to the World Congress and what a pleasure to be voted the winner. The conference itself was worth the trip and I look forward to maybe contributing more when the next event occurs in Valencia, Spain 2027. A massive thanks to the organising committee and all the fascianting, driven, passionate clinicians I met there. Bruce.
Who are you? Dr Bruce Powell's article.

Who are you?

May 14, 2025
Who are you? You’re not just your name? That’s not all you are.

Media

A sought-after guest and speaker, Bruce is a dynamic communicator across all mediums. Here’s Bruce in the Media.

The Range Project

November 18, 2024
Tune in as Dr Powell and our hosts Sam and Steve reflect on the challenges facing neurodiverse students in our education system, pivoting careers, seeking fulfilment and embracing uncertainty.

Headway: Brain Injury and Me

September 25, 2024
A short bio for the upcoming Headway Golf Day.

Millsy at Midday

May 27, 2024
Chatting to the team about being an advocate for organ donation.  A touching, personal conversation about the aftermath of the accident and the interviewer’s tragic, personal connection to organ donation.

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