Congratulations, university graduates! As you step into the world of work, many of you might be considering the path of private practice as osteopaths. It’s a time of excitement, anxiety, and nerves, and the ever-present imposter syndrome may start creeping in. Feeling overwhelmed or comparing yourself to experienced practitioners is entirely normal, but remember, you’ve worked hard to get here, and your skills are valuable.
In the world of osteopathy, many clinic owners offer part-time, self-employed positions to new graduates, where you receive a percentage of the treatment fees. While this may seem tempting, there are compelling reasons to consider full-time employment in a clinic, where mentorship and development are prioritised.
Let’s delve into three reasons why choosing full-time employment might be the ideal launchpad for your osteopathy career:
A Focus on Learning: When a principal osteopath hires you on a full-time, employed basis, they are committed to your growth and development as a practitioner. Nothing accelerates your clinical skills like regular interactions with experienced mentors who have once been in your shoes. In such an environment, you’ll have dedicated time for learning through observation, online Continuing Professional Development (CPD), or team clinical development sessions.
Being paid to learn on the job allows you to gain real-world insights and practical experience, which is invaluable for building confidence in your practice. Your mentors will provide guidance, share their knowledge, and help you navigate challenges that arise, giving you a stronger foundation for your career.
Timely Patient Follow-Up: In a full-time position, you’ll have the opportunity to provide timely and consistent follow-up care to your patients. Patients in acute pain often need more frequent appointments initially, and having the flexibility to see them multiple times in the critical early days of recovery can greatly impact their healing process. This level of care fosters trust and loyalty, making them more likely to refer friends and family to your services.
On the other hand, part-time positions can limit your availability, making it challenging to follow up with patients as effectively. By opting for full-time employment, you gain invaluable experience in managing acute cases and witnessing firsthand how patients progress in their recovery.
Financial Security: Having spent several years as a student, your income may have been limited, and stepping into full-time employment offers the financial security you need to start your career with peace of mind. A steady monthly salary ensures you know exactly how much you’ll earn each month, enabling better financial planning and allocation of funds for both personal and professional development.
This financial stability allows you to focus on what you’ve studied and trained for – helping people get back to doing what they love through your expert treatment skills and knowledge.
At our clinic, we are recruiting osteopaths for full-time positions because we believe in fostering a team committed to providing exceptional patient care. If you are interested in joining us and embarking on a fulfilling osteopathy journey, we encourage you to reach out and share more about yourself and your passion for making a difference in patients’ lives.
Remember, your career as an osteopath is a journey, and your choices today can set the stage for a rewarding and successful future. Embrace the learning opportunities, focus on delivering exceptional care, and take pride in the valuable work you do to improve the lives of others.
