Dr Johnny Uday

"I design and manufacture patient-specific prostheses and implants for both animals and humans. I love that my work encompasses creativity, artistry, medicine and technology."

How has studying a Master of Animal Science at UQ help get you where you are today?

Studying at a distinguished Australian university like UQ has helped open several doors for me throughout my career.

Coming from a developing country, my knowledge and methods of research were not ideal before studying at UQ. That changed dramatically because I was able to study in world-class facilities and learn from world-renowned professors and mentors who guided, inspired and challenged me which boosted my confidence in my ideas, opened up my mind to new possibilities and motivated me to work towards realising my scientific ambitions and continue growing as a person.

Some of my mentors that I met during my time at UQ continue to provide expertise and guidance with some of my current projects, and I’ve also been able to provide mentorship to UQ students over the years.

What kind of work do you do as part of your job? 

I am a veterinarian passionate about harnessing the potential 3D printing technology to enhance quality of life. I design and manufacture patient-specific prostheses and implants for both animals and humans. I love that my work encompasses creativity, artistry, medicine and technology.

I provide virtual surgical planning with the use of 3D printing for manufacturing personalised cutting and drilling guides, and bespoke prosthesis and implants. 

While I started out with animals, my 3D printing innovations were having such a positive impact in the field of veterinary healthcare that I started getting contacted by physicians from different medical fields to collaborate on projects that would enhance the quality of life of humans.

I'm constantly conducting research and ongoing study to improve my designs, with the hope of coming up with solutions to tackle problems in my field, such as bacterial resistance and biocompatibility.

What is the best part of your job?

Being able to help animals and people with my expertise is a dream come true and is incredibly fulfilling. I’m especially proud of accomplishing the first jaw replacement for a pet dog using 3D printed polyamides.

I also get to collaborate with highly skilled physicians who have expertise in different medical fields so I’m constantly learning and that helps me to continually innovate and develop my own ideas.

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