My final year physiotherapy placement at Karratha Health Campus in rural WA was an experience I treasure and certainly multiplied my eagerness for working out in the country. There is so much that’s different and fresh about a rural setting that makes it so worthwhile to experience.
I appreciate the variation of practice you see and are able to grow skills in. I had placement in Pilbara Population Health, which included outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy, a bit of women’s health, geriatrics, observing paediatrics, inpatients on the ward, community hydrotherapy classes, observing plastering in the emergency department and outreach clinics to small towns.
I appreciated gaining a taste of what it’s like being a rural generalist, as this remains an area of interest. I enjoyed mixing with demographically diverse groups of patients, in terms of age, culture and acuity.
The workplace itself was great – friendly people with a multidisciplinary team atmosphere. The staff were welcoming and helpful: imparting their knowledge and having a willingness to have me along on sessions or outreach.
Outreach to Roebourne and Onslow were also highlights. A small team of allied health professionals would visit a town for a day or two and have patients from that town come in for appointments (as there is otherwise often no permanent allied health in the town). It was a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of how our rural citizens access health and the challenges around that.
I found great value professionally and personally in working with a higher population of Aboriginal patients. It is helpful not just to have some knowledge of this health context, but to get hands-on experience too. It was encouraging to generally see a different level of respect and acknowledgement of cultures from the people around the Pilbara, while also challenging to see the extent of socio-economic struggles many face and the significant difficulties of health access. I’ve got much to learn.
One of the best aspects of rural life is the community. The people around you really band together and look out for one another. The country is often viewed as an isolated place. However, depending on where you go, there can be lots to do socially! I was encouraged to link in with a local church, and had I been there longer definitely would have enjoyed a social sport.
And to top it off, Karratha was geographically amazing – such a rugged beauty that I hadn’t known before I went! I enjoyed many a walk around the rocky hills that the town is nestled in, a couple of nice beaches (when the tide was in!) and day trips to my favourite spot, Python Pool, a meaningful and beautiful must-see site. An overall wonderful place and opportunity that I’m extremely thankful to have had. I hope to get back there!
