Initial Entry- Rural Prac 2009

On Monday I’ll begin my rural placement at the Shiel Family Practice in Albany. Although I’m excited about my rural placement and the experiences it will bring, I also have additional concerns that I didn’t experience in my preparation for metro placement last year. There is definitely an element of the unknown- not knowing the family I’m staying with, not knowing the area I’m living in, not knowing my role or expectations in the family home, not knowing if I’ve prepared enough for the varied clinical presentations etc.

It is my understanding that I will have a very broad exposure to the different areas of physiotherapy (as is the nature of rural practice). I expect to be involved in hydrotherapy classes (in particular ante-natal and post-natal/baby sessions), using the RTUS machine to help diagnose and train core stability, learn and begin to teach elements of Clinical Pilates, observe and begin to perform musculoskeletal Ax and Rx sessions and complete the required documentation.

As a student in this setting, I predict that I will be more of an observer in my first week as I learn the necessary skills and protocols of a practice that is dominated by the concepts of Clinical Pilates. As the placement progresses I hope that I’ll quickly pick up the skills and be given the opportunity to perform ‘hands on’ Ax and Rx.

I believe that this placement will allow me to experience some of the areas of Physiotherapy that I am most interested in including Pilates, women health, and musculoskeletal. For this reason I look forward to meeting my supervisor, Emily, and learning as much as I can from this placement. I also hope to embrace any opportunity to get involved in the community including sports, events, and exploring the local area…Albany here I come!