An Immersive Rural Experience
by Mary Sandral
A country girl raised on a wheat and sheep farm at Oaklands in the Southern Riverina, country living is in my blood. Keen for a country recharge and the opportunity to see Louise - one of our most esteemed sports osteopaths in action - I saddled up for a trip to the Mallee.
What followed was a fully immersive, intensive, and highly enjoyable learning experience.
From fruit farmers to local footy legends to pregnant mothers – the Central Mallee Health patient experience delivered it all. Lou’s unbelievable drive and passion to inspire and to pass on her knowledge translates into fast-tracked development, the learnings from which I will implement in my osteopathic career from day one.
With amazing gym facilities and spacious treatment rooms, the clinic in Swan Hill itself is a vibrant hub providing quality healthcare to the surrounding rural communities. I immediately felt a part of the Central Mallee Health team and welcomed by the tight-knit patient community. A tour of some of the neighboring towns where Outreach services are delivered showcases a unique commitment to providing patient access to care in these small communities.
Observing the impact the Central Mallee Health team has on the local community, I left with a timely reminder of why I wanted to become an Osteo in the first place. It was my own experiences as a patient at clinics like Central Mallee Health that had drawn me to the profession in the first place.
Rural clinics such as Central Mallee Health provide a unique opportunity to give back, to deliver quality healthcare but also build quality relationships. I cherished the stories told and smiles shared and couldn’t help but notice the strong sense of care and trust embedded at the core of every patient interaction. Osteopathy here is truly transformational.
For anyone interested, I’d highly encourage you to get in the car and experience what Central Mallee Health and Osteo Outreach have to offer. The fresh country air is unbeatable.
- Mary