Hi! My name is Dashneet, and I am a second-year physiotherapy student. I recently
completed my first clinical placement at Head2Toe Physiotherapy, a private practice
specializing in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Initial Impressions

There I was on my first day, taking the elevator up to the first floor with my heart
racing in anticipation. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, unsure of what to
expect. I knew this placement would be a completely different environment from
university, challenging me in ways I hadn't experienced before. This uncertainty
fueled my anxiety. Despite having the theoretical knowledge to support my ability to
care for patients, I lacked confidence in my practical application.

The elevator chimed, snapping me out of my thoughts. As the doors opened, I took a
deep breath and stepped out, making my way to the Brunswick Head2Toe clinic. The
moment I walked through the entrance, I was greeted by a warm smile from my
clinical supervisor, Nadeena. His welcoming demeanor immediately put me at ease,
making my first day a little less daunting.

The day flew by, particularly because I shadowed Nadeena as he consulted with
over 20 clients. I quickly realized why Head2Toe was such a successful and beloved
physiotherapy practice—it was because the physiotherapists truly listened to their
patients and tailored everything according to the patient's goals. Additionally,
everything from assessments to treatments was rooted in evidence with proven
results. If I loved the culture and values at Head2Toe as a student merely observing,
it was no wonder patients were returning patrons!

Learning Environment

The mentorship I received from my supervisors—Nadeena, Anosha, and
Mohammed—was exceptional. I truly believe I was fortunate to learn in the nurturing
and supportive environment they created for me.

Nadeena, with his extensive knowledge in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, is a highly
skilled physiotherapist. What makes him an even better educator is his ability to
individualize and adjust his teaching to suit his student's needs. Throughout my
placement, Nadeena provided prompt and constructive feedback, helping me
develop my skillset. One of the most useful pieces of advice he gave me was to shift
my learning style from reading and writing to a more kinaesthetic approach, due to
the practical demands of being a physiotherapist. Initially, I was afraid of changing
my learning style, as I had relied on reading and writing throughout my university
years. However, I decided to put my laptop away and be more present while
shadowing my supervisors. The changes were immediate. Over the weeks of my
placement, I became much more adept in patient care, as a kinaesthetic learning
approach made me think on the spot and take quicker care of patients. Nadeena
also encouraged me to think of patients holistically and consider their functional
limitations to ensure the treatments I proposed addressed their original problems.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of using evidence-based practice to
back my assessments and treatments, ensuring the effectiveness of my care.
Aside from Nadeena, Anosha and Mohammed were also excellent educators with
unique skills to share. Shadowing Anosha, a Women's Health physiotherapist,

provided unique opportunities to interact with a diverse population of clients who
both challenged and expanded my knowledge of women's physiotherapy. Both
Anosha and Mohammed were very supportive in helping me develop my
consultation skills, particularly with subjective examinations. Mohammed, being a
recent graduate physiotherapist, offered guidance based on his recent experiences
as a student, which I particularly resonated with.

Take Away Message

While it’s difficult to choose, there are a few aspects of my time at Head2Toe that
stand out as particularly memorable. First and foremost is the clinic's atmosphere.
The team created an environment that was not only professional but also incredibly
supportive and nurturing. They are not only excellent allied health professionals but
also friendly individuals who always enjoy some heartfelt banter. The clinic's
emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care deeply resonated
with me, reinforcing my passion for physiotherapy. The entire Head2Toe team
genuinely cares about their patients and consistently seeks to address the root
cause of their problems.

In conclusion, my first clinical placement at Head2Toe Physiotherapy was a
transformative experience. The mentorship, hands-on learning, and patient
interactions have significantly contributed to my growth as a future physiotherapist. I
am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue my journey in this
field.