Bristol student’s journey to becoming a doctor and Paralympian

“When I walk into the room, it disarms people”

When Xander Van der Poll suffered life-changing paralysis, many doubted that he could achieve his dream of becoming a doctor. Seven years later, this inspirational medical student remains steadfast in defying expectations as he not only graduates from the University of Bristol as Dr Van der Poll, but also sets his sights on a future Paralympian.

In 2018, 19-year-old Xander’s life was changed forever after he tragically fell from a tree, resulting in a broken back and a punctured lung. Xander remembers this moment as the last time he felt his legs.

Xander was rushed to the operating room, the same one where he had done his work experience a few years ago. Here he spent nine hours in surgery and almost four months in the hospital recovering from the operation.

“You just don’t expect it to happen to you. I was in incredible pain for a few weeks and was very worried about all the things I couldn’t do. I thought I wouldn’t be able to be a doctor, play rugby or just have a normal life.

“I was very lucky to have my family around me. My mother was by my side every day.”

Growing up near Stratford-upon-Avon, Xander faced not only physical challenges but also skepticism from others. “People’s opinions are actually much more debilitating than your actual disability,” he explains. “People said all kinds of things to me after the accident. During a medical placement, a doctor sat me down and listed all the things I couldn’t do.”

Despite the others’ skepticism, Xander refused to give up, stating that, “The funny thing was that the list was based on assumptions, and none of the assumptions were actually true.”

According to his ruling, he took his first-year medicals from his hospital bed just six weeks after the accident.

As Xander prepares to work in A&E after graduation, he also continues to inspire others online by sharing his and wife Kirsty’s life on Instagram. “We often look back and see how far we’ve come,” he reflects. “I’m still figuring it out, but I can do so much more now than I ever thought I could.”

Xander also found that his wheelchair often broke down barriers with patients, helping to humanize his role as a doctor. “Being in a wheelchair breaks down many barriers between doctor and patient, it humanizes me. When I walk into the room, it disarms people. I never had anyone doubt my abilities.”

Xander’s story doesn’t end with his graduation. Not only will she begin her medical career, but she is also preparing for the Paralympics, with hopes of competing in Los Angeles in 2028.

In addition to his medical achievements, Xander excelled in para-sports, including track and field, rowing and basketball. He recently competed at the European Rowing Championships and is now targeting the 2028 Paralympics.

Xander and his wife Kirsty Van der Poll, an amputee and parasurfer, run an inspirational Instagram page (@ourchaoticadventure) designed to “destigmatise and show joy in disability”. Kirsty, who came fourth at the ISA Para Surfing World Championships in California, is also studying for a Masters in Physiotherapy.

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Professor Chrissie Thirlwell, Head of Bristol Medical School, praised Xander’s journey, saying: “Xander has been a really talented medical student and will undoubtedly become a brilliant doctor. We can all learn from him.

“I look forward to seeing what he does next and hopefully cheering him on at the 2028 Paralympics!”

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Image courtesy of the University of Bristol