You Can Take The Girl Out Of The Country
by Madelyn Barber
I was extremely enthusiastic about participating in Central Mallee Health’s Osteo Outreach Internship Program, primarily because I have been following Lou Bibby and her endeavours in the Mallee on social media ever since my first year of Osteopathy. In one of our first year learning modules, Lou had been invited to share her experiences in Osteopathy, rural practice, and the evolving roles of Osteopaths in Australian sports. Her discussions were truly captivating, and I have since regarded her as a remarkable leader and mentor.
The internship program proved to be an invaluable and enjoyable experience, commencing with a 4-hour car journey from Melbourne to Swan Hill with Lou. It was truly inspiring to hear Lou's journey and how she established her business from scratch. Gaining insights into an employer's perspective on clinic management and their criteria when hiring new Osteopaths was immensely beneficial. Our conversations went beyond the business aspects of Osteopathy, delving into how she became the first Advanced Sports Osteopath and discussion on both personal and career growth. I found it highly intriguing and inspiring to witness her dedication to involving Osteopaths in sports, and more about the goals of Osteo Sports Network and her involvement with Sports Medicine Australia.
My initial impressions of the clinic revolved around the Central Mallee Health team's warmth and welcoming nature. The overall clinic had an excellent ambiance, well-appointed treatment rooms, and an outstanding rehab and performance gym. On the first day, I observed Lou and Jess, absorbing as much advice and information as possible. Within the second half of the day, I had already been exposed to a diverse array of cases and patients, an experience I had not encountered while working at the university's health clinic.
On the second day, I continued to observe Lou, assisting patients with rehabilitation sessions in the gym. It was highly advantageous to witness how Lou managed patients off the treatment table, especially those with sporting injuries, given her extensive knowledge in this area. Transitioning to the rehabilitation aspect of Osteopathy, observing Bayley was an excellent opportunity as he had numerous patients with sporting injuries that would normally been seen first by a sports doctor or surgeon in Metro Melbourne. I gained insights into using AXIT Force Plate Technology and collecting data to assess a patient's strengths and weaknesses. I also had the opportunity to observe Megan and learn more about myotherapy. It was worthwhile and beneficial to observe how another discipline approaches patient care.
For the Outreach Day, I traveled to Boort with Taylor, a charming small town with two pubs, a delightful café where we had lunch, a beautiful lake, and a local football and netball club. Central Mallee Health works alongside the providers of Boort Manual Therapies & Station Street Wellness with great cross-collaboration. In between observations, I had the chance to refine some of my HVLA skills with Taylor. We treated approximately 12 patients throughout the day, ranging from farmer's wives to farm workers and footballers. It was a demanding day of treatment, but the satisfaction of witnessing how grateful patients were for accessible healthcare within the community was truly rewarding.
On the final day, I spent time observing Jess, received a treatment from her, and had the opportunity to treat her in return. I learned some new techniques that will prove useful in my current clinic practice, along with valuable tips and tricks that will enhance my treatments.
Having grown up on a farm in Glenorchy, a small town near Stawell with about 100 residents, I understand the challenges of limited access to allied health services, necessitating extensive travel for appointments. The Central Mallee Health team is performing an extraordinary service for the extended Mallee communities with their Outreach Osteo program, as reducing the distance to access healthcare can make a world of difference. Contributing to and supporting rural communities is vital for their continued survival, and that's precisely what the Central Mallee Health team is accomplishing. It's astounding how much of an impact Osteopathy can have on people's lives.
I was thoroughly pleased with the overall internship experience and how much I learned during those four days. Everyone at Central Mallee Health was exceptionally friendly and willing to share their knowledge, which will undoubtedly aid in my growth as a student of Osteopathy. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Central Mallee Health team for providing me with this opportunity. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone studying Osteopathy or contemplating a taste of rural practice. There is no better place to do so.
- Maddie