Rural Osteopathy Internship

by Taylor Johnstone

The day began before sunrise as I met with Lou Bibby in Pascoe Vale for our journey north to Swan Hill. During the drive, we engaged in numerous conversations about rural practice and delved into the various roles that Lou fulfils. Not only is she an Advanced Sports Osteopath, but she's also a clinic owner, a council member of Sports Medicine Australia, and the leader of Murray Mallee Sports Trainers. To top it off, she's a Western Bulldogs VFLW player.

We made a pit stop at a bakery where they had delicious scrolls on the menu. After another two hours on the road, it became clear that time had flown by as we discussed mentoring, plans, and diverse opportunities for osteopaths. We also joined Lou in a few phone calls to organise various tasks.

Upon arriving at the Kerang clinic to greet Lachie and then reaching Swan Hill for the first day, I was struck by the sheer amount of work Lou dedicates to the development of Osteopathy. While I had witnessed some of this during my work with OSN in sports training for the Airforce in early 2020, I had not fully grasped the magnitude of Lou's efforts from behind the scenes and the immense hard work involved.

Following a quick introduction to the clinic, I immediately immersed myself in treating Lou for a corkie. Treating the clinic owner right at the start was undeniably intimidating, but having shared the journey with her made it more manageable. Despite not achieving the desired cavitation on the manipulations, we worked through the process and gained valuable insights for my improvement.

I also had the chance to meet Jake and observe a patient before spending several hours in the treatment room with Lou. The range of patients we encountered was truly astonishing, from expectant mothers and farmers to individuals undergoing post-operative rehabilitation. There was even a patient with a complex history of past pain. In just three hours, I encountered a wider variety of patients than I typically would in weeks at the university clinic. What stood out to me was the individualised care each patient received, and their time at the clinic extended beyond the treatment table.

Additionally, I had the privilege of treating a few patients that the team had arranged for me, allowing me to build my confidence as I entered the world of practice. Getting hands-on experience with a diverse range of patients and witnessing the positive impact I could have as an osteopath was truly gratifying, especially when I could apply the skills I had learned earlier in the day.

Later, we visited the Tyntynder Football Club and discussed the establishment of a player and sports trainer-driven injury management and prevention strategy. The plan involved players coming to the Central Mallee Osteo Clinic for diagnosis and check-ups the day after a game.

Finally, we conducted a strapping course back at CMO, where Lou and some senior local trainers guided emerging trainers through the process of strapping knees, ankles, shoulders, and thumbs. The collaborative effort was remarkable, highlighting the value of such mentoring in a role that can often feel isolated. It ensures that trainers in training have access to guidance beyond YouTube videos or vague player comments.

Our day concluded with pizzas and a team discussion, and I spent the night in one of the clinic's bedrooms.

The next day brought another early start, and I headed to Wycheproof with Jess. The CMO team travels to Wycheproof roughly every two weeks to treat approximately 12 patients. They also visit other towns like Birchip, Robinvale, and Ouyen. Jess and I had engaging conversations about common conditions she has encountered, the challenges and learning experiences of her first few months as an osteopath, and much more.

Treatments began at 9 AM, and after setting up the treatment table in the community hub's conference room, we started our day. A diverse range of patients walked through the doors, and assisting Jess with note-taking, patient greetings, new patient forms, payments, and some soft tissue work really allowed me to gain insight into the logistics of establishing an osteopathic outreach service.

I observed patients with chronic conditions, those on CDM plans, and individuals with new injuries, giving me a comprehensive view of the types of presentations one encounters in a small country town like Wycheproof. Our patients included farmers, teachers, the local postman, the publican, parents, and grandparents. It was a delightful experience, and we also made sure to visit the bakery for a quick refuel during breaks; it's a must-stop if you're passing through.

The outreach program established by the team is a testament to their commitment to expanding the reach of our profession. It ensures that more people dealing with pain and discomfort can access healthcare services that can truly help them. Some patients travelled over an hour to reach Wycheproof, on top of the hour-long journey we made from Swan Hill. The impact we can make as osteopaths, and how we can improve one aspect of a person's life to help them thrive, is truly remarkable.

The day ended relatively quietly, but we still found time to visit another football club and enjoy dinner at the local pub while watching an exciting game on the giant screen.

On Friday, I had the opportunity to explore some of the area's highlights. We took a walk along the Murray River, visited impressive silo murals, and made a trip to Lake Tyrrell. Experiencing the Sky Mirror and capturing photos of the horizon was captivating. We also visited the family farm, where Lou and the team allowed me to drive a massive tractor, offering firsthand insight into the hard work our farmers put into ensuring our well-being and the production of our food.

In summary, this trip was an incredible opportunity for me to enhance my skills in my final years of university study. Not only did I see a considerable number of patients, but I also learned how I can apply my osteopathic skills outside of the treatment room. This experience opened my eyes to the genuine benefits of rural work and placement. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the team at Central Mallee Osteopathy or any other exceptional osteopaths across regional Australia because the experience has been invaluable. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Lou, Jess, and the entire team at Central Mallee Osteopathy, as well as the locals who supported me during my time in Swan Hill. I will certainly be returning.

- Taylor