From Muddy Roads to Lifelong Lessons: An Unforgettable Osteo Experience
by Bailey Waasdorp
Walking into the world of osteopathy five years ago, I promised myself I would grab every opportunity to learn, observe, and grow. Little did I know that a muddy drive to Swan Hill would lead to one of the most rewarding and insightful experiences of my osteopathic studies. The team at Central Mallee Health didn’t just open their doors - they shared their knowledge, time, and passion, creating an unforgettable two-day adventure.
The trip began early, travelling from Melbourne to Swan Hill. After heavy rainfall, the dirt roads had transformed into slippery mud pits. I narrowly avoided getting bogged on one of the region’s back roads, but arriving at the Swan Hill clinic to smiling faces made it all worthwhile. There was no time to waste as we were immediately launched into a tutorial with Lou on diagnosing lower limb dysfunction - an incredible way to kickstart the day.
My first few hours were spent with Bayley, whose direct, exercise-driven approach to health was eye-opening. His care and rapport with patients were inspiring to watch, and his focus on active recovery showed the incredible value osteopaths can bring to their clients.
After a morning of observations, the team treated us students to homemade parmas and a clinic in-service with a Persistent Pain Exercises Physiologist from Swan Hill District Health - how lucky were we? The content was exceptional, with unique perspectives on managing persistent pain. But the learning didn’t stop there. Lou gathered us once again for an in-depth session on hamstring testing and management. Three dedicated education sessions in one day. Something you just don’t experience very often.
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of learning between Megan, Lou, and the team’s young sporting clients. Finally, we wrapped up with a team dinner at Quo-Vadis, some elite Italian cooking that capped off a brilliant day.
The following morning, I was off to Robinvale, one of the many outreach locations the team services, alongside Bayley and Maddy. Growing up in country Victoria, around Echuca, I’ve always appreciated the heart and resilience of local communities. Meeting the people of Robinvale and its surrounds was a highlight. Each patient had their own story to tell, and it was fascinating to see Bayley and Maddy adapt their treatment styles to suit each individual’s needs, all with the same outcome - improved patient health.
Finally, it was back to Swan Hill for a quick pit stop before returning home. I left feeling not just educated but inspired.
With over 100+ hours of observations under my belt, I can confidently say this was one of the most impactful and effective experiences of my five-year degree. The sheer amount of knowledge shared, the incredible team feedback, and the unforgettable characters I met along the way were invaluable.
The team at Central Mallee Health curated an experience that I’ll carry with me throughout my osteopathic career. Their generosity, willingness to teach, and openness to share their time with students is a true testament to the culture they’ve created. I would highly recommend any student or new graduate to make the journey. You won’t just gain skills, you’ll gain confidence, invaluable insights, and connections that will last a lifetime.
Thank you to Lou, Bayley, and the entire Central Mallee Health team for this incredible experience. You’ve set the bar for what osteopathy can achieve, both in practice and in community impact.