Here's a little bit about me...
Me
My name is Aliya.
I am originally from Toronto, CANADA and moved to Australia in July 2007.
Education
I did my undergraduate Bachelor's degree in Biology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
I then did a 4 year chiropractic degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. I graduated in June 2007.
Current Practice
I am now working at Kangaroo Point Chiropractic (Brisbane, QLD)
Past Practice Experience
I joined Wyatt Chiropractic (Mackay, QLD) in September 2007, as an associate working with two other chiropractors.
The practice then became Total Lifestyle Chiropractic (Mackay, QLD).
My Techniques
Diversified, Drop Piece, some Activator Methods, some SOT/orthopedic blocking, Active Release Techniques, trigger point therapy, Acupuncture
What I love most about Australia
Besides the warm climate and beautiful beaches, I love the laid-back lifestyle. It takes a while to get used to the pace (especially compared to Toronto)...but it grows on you and pretty soon you become accustomed to having your call returned the next week or your payment to be processed next month, etc.
Aliya
cdnchiro@gmail.com
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Finding a job....Locums and Associates
Finding a chiro job in Australia is fairly easy if you plan to work regionally (small mining and farming towns). There are also numerous locums out there and these are perfect for travellers looking to experience Australia fully.
There are classified ads that advertise openings and some jobs come about through networking with the right contacts.
If you are interested in working overseas and need some help finding an associateship or locum, drop me a line at cdnchiro@gmail.com.
There are classified ads that advertise openings and some jobs come about through networking with the right contacts.
If you are interested in working overseas and need some help finding an associateship or locum, drop me a line at cdnchiro@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Golden little nuggets.....
Here are a list of little things I would have liked to have known before travelling to AUSTRALIA....
Aliya
cdnchiro@gmail.com
- Grog = Beer/Liquor; most bars are open till the wee am...and you can pretty much gamble on anything at the TAB
- There is no tipping at restaurants or bars (it's worked into the price of the meal)
- Tax is also already in the price of the meal or item you are purchasing (really hand
- "Entrees" are appetizers and "Mains" are main courses
- As soon as you get to Australia get a Pay as you Go phone; all mobile phones are local and start with 04 so you don't have to dial an area code
- Commonwealth Bank has the most ATM's in the country - so an account there is not a bad idea- at $5 a month its pretty cheap
- If you are looking to rent a house/apartment - its through the real estate companies, and usually with a minimum 6 month lease and a 4 week bond (this is not the same as your last months rent - this is a payment on top of what you pay for rent, like a security deposit)
- To call overseas, purchase an "OZ Call" - it's a phone card you can purchase at the Newsagent and gives good rates on international calls
- Get a Tax File Number as soon as you open a bank account and have your working VISA - it's the only way you can work and get paid
- You will need to arrange malpractice (indemnity) insurance before you start working as a chiro - you can usually pay monthly (debited from your account); if you join the CAA (the chiro assoc) you get a substantial discount
- A great time to travel would be after you have written your Aussie Exams - as it takes them a month to get the results out to you
- Flights within Australia from state to state are pretty cheap - use airlines like Jetstar or VirginBlue to get around
- Make sure you bring some certified copies of your transcripts and diploma with you
- Get your friends (who are also coming to work in OZ) to bring some books as well...that way you don't have to pack a suitcase full of textbooks and can share the load
Aliya
cdnchiro@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The VISA
Before you board that plane to the land down under...you will need a VISA to get into the country.
For more information on VISAs, check out the following site: www.immi.gov.au
There are three VISAs you could possibly apply for:
1. Tourist VISA
For people to visit Australia for holiday, sightseeing, social or recreational reasons, to visit relatives, friends or for other short-term non-work purposes.
You could use this VISA to enter Australia and write the exam. However, if you are wanting to work after receiving news that you have passed the Boards (which you will of course!), you will need another working VISA. This VISA can only be applied for while you are outside the country.
2. Working Holiday VISA
For people aged between 18 and 30 from arrangement countries to have an extended holiday supplemented by short-term employment.
This is what I applied for before leaving Canada for Australia. This allowed me to work for an employer for a certain amount of time (I believe it is a max of 6 months). After the length of this VISA expires, you must re-apply or transfer to the 457 VISA (below).
3. 457 VISA Temporary Long Stay
For skilled workers who have qualifications and/or experience in particular occupations required in Australia. This VISA requires that you are sponsored by an employer in Australia.
The VISA can be applied for online and costs about $300 AU. Before you can apply for this however, your sponsor (employer), will need to apply and nominate the position. They would need to meet certain requirements as well (such as providing you with a minimum salary - I believe it was $44, 000 per annum when I applied; usually works out to be about $800 in retainer).
This VISA will let you work with that particular employer for upto 4 years. You can also put dependents (spouses, defacto spouses, children) on your VISA as secondary applicants.
From experience, I came to Australia on a Working Holiday VISA, which allowed me to work for my employer for upto 6 months. During that time, I applied for a 457 VISA. Once it was granted, I just transferred over to the 457 VISA, which lets you enter and exit Australia freely.
Another CMCCer applied for the 457 VISA in Canada (she knew her sponsor beforehand and the paperwork was submitted early). She entered Australia on the 457 VISA and just stayed on it until she left.
My boyfriend Eric came to Australia on a tourist VISA and once he found a position, was sponsored and was granted a 457 VISA.
So there are many ways you can work this; just be aware of the timeframes and deadlines. Usually 457 VISAs involve some paperwork and will take a bit of time to organize. A working holiday VISA can be completed online and are approved within a week if you meet the age requirements (18-30 years).
Should you have any questions, call the Immigration Australia Contact Line (listed on the webpage). Or you can email me, and I will try to help as best I can.
Aliya
cdnchiro@gmail.com
For more information on VISAs, check out the following site: www.immi.gov.au
There are three VISAs you could possibly apply for:
1. Tourist VISA
For people to visit Australia for holiday, sightseeing, social or recreational reasons, to visit relatives, friends or for other short-term non-work purposes.
You could use this VISA to enter Australia and write the exam. However, if you are wanting to work after receiving news that you have passed the Boards (which you will of course!), you will need another working VISA. This VISA can only be applied for while you are outside the country.
2. Working Holiday VISA
For people aged between 18 and 30 from arrangement countries to have an extended holiday supplemented by short-term employment.
This is what I applied for before leaving Canada for Australia. This allowed me to work for an employer for a certain amount of time (I believe it is a max of 6 months). After the length of this VISA expires, you must re-apply or transfer to the 457 VISA (below).
3. 457 VISA Temporary Long Stay
For skilled workers who have qualifications and/or experience in particular occupations required in Australia. This VISA requires that you are sponsored by an employer in Australia.
The VISA can be applied for online and costs about $300 AU. Before you can apply for this however, your sponsor (employer), will need to apply and nominate the position. They would need to meet certain requirements as well (such as providing you with a minimum salary - I believe it was $44, 000 per annum when I applied; usually works out to be about $800 in retainer).
This VISA will let you work with that particular employer for upto 4 years. You can also put dependents (spouses, defacto spouses, children) on your VISA as secondary applicants.
From experience, I came to Australia on a Working Holiday VISA, which allowed me to work for my employer for upto 6 months. During that time, I applied for a 457 VISA. Once it was granted, I just transferred over to the 457 VISA, which lets you enter and exit Australia freely.
Another CMCCer applied for the 457 VISA in Canada (she knew her sponsor beforehand and the paperwork was submitted early). She entered Australia on the 457 VISA and just stayed on it until she left.
My boyfriend Eric came to Australia on a tourist VISA and once he found a position, was sponsored and was granted a 457 VISA.
So there are many ways you can work this; just be aware of the timeframes and deadlines. Usually 457 VISAs involve some paperwork and will take a bit of time to organize. A working holiday VISA can be completed online and are approved within a week if you meet the age requirements (18-30 years).
Should you have any questions, call the Immigration Australia Contact Line (listed on the webpage). Or you can email me, and I will try to help as best I can.
Aliya
cdnchiro@gmail.com
Before you sign....always read the fine print!
Salary Expectations and Contracts
For many of you, the associate position you land in Australia will be your first. That being said, it pays to do your research and be really thorough. Most clinics and principal chiropractors in OZ are very fair...however, you there are some sharks out there so be careful before you sign anything.
Contracts
I recommend that you have a signed contract before starting work with any chiropractor or clinic. Have a solicitor look it over before you sign it. This ensures you are protected and have rights. Many chiropractors have a verbal contract, however this won't hold very well in court if someone does mess around with you and your fees. Also, remember that while you are on a 457 VISA there are certain requirements your employer, as your sponsor, must meet in the contract eg. minimum base salary (see VISA post).
Salary Expectations
This is relative to your location. In a mining town like Mackay (pop 100, 000) I was earning far more and receiving a higher percentage than in a cosmopolitan town like Sydney or Brisbane.
As a guide, here are a few things you should discuss with your employer:
1. Retainer - this is a base amount that you will receive each week regardless of how many patients you adjust.
2. Percentage of total fees earned
Some chiropractors/clinics offer associates a sliding scale. This is based on an incentive scheme of total patients/fees per week. For instance, a typical sliding scale may be as follows:
If you see between 40-50 patients per week, you would receive 40% of total fees earned
If you see between 50-70 patients per week, you would receive 45% of total fees earned
If you see over 70 patients per week, you would receive 50% of total fees earned
However, usually the maximum percentage would be 50%.
Remember, VISA requirements state that you must earn a minimum salary per annum so ensure your employer is aware of the criteria (more on VISA in another post).
For many of you, the associate position you land in Australia will be your first. That being said, it pays to do your research and be really thorough. Most clinics and principal chiropractors in OZ are very fair...however, you there are some sharks out there so be careful before you sign anything.
Contracts
I recommend that you have a signed contract before starting work with any chiropractor or clinic. Have a solicitor look it over before you sign it. This ensures you are protected and have rights. Many chiropractors have a verbal contract, however this won't hold very well in court if someone does mess around with you and your fees. Also, remember that while you are on a 457 VISA there are certain requirements your employer, as your sponsor, must meet in the contract eg. minimum base salary (see VISA post).
Salary Expectations
This is relative to your location. In a mining town like Mackay (pop 100, 000) I was earning far more and receiving a higher percentage than in a cosmopolitan town like Sydney or Brisbane.
As a guide, here are a few things you should discuss with your employer:
1. Retainer - this is a base amount that you will receive each week regardless of how many patients you adjust.
- Regional Town - approx $800-1000 AU
- City - approx $600-800 AU
2. Percentage of total fees earned
- Regional Town - approx 45-50%
- City - approx 40-50%
Some chiropractors/clinics offer associates a sliding scale. This is based on an incentive scheme of total patients/fees per week. For instance, a typical sliding scale may be as follows:
If you see between 40-50 patients per week, you would receive 40% of total fees earned
If you see between 50-70 patients per week, you would receive 45% of total fees earned
If you see over 70 patients per week, you would receive 50% of total fees earned
However, usually the maximum percentage would be 50%.
Remember, VISA requirements state that you must earn a minimum salary per annum so ensure your employer is aware of the criteria (more on VISA in another post).
Aussie Board Exam Tips and Hints.....
Here are some tips from Grads who have written the CCEA Exam previously.... remember, it's anyone's guess what will be covered...but this may give you some direction for studying....
The only real gem that I can pass on is to Be Confident! Most times they are just trying to throw you "what if" questions....just focus and use your CMCC education and you will do GREAT!!!
- Some key textbooks used: Souza's DDX, Y&R Radio, Peterson's Radio Charts, Rocco's Ortho Notes, Neurodiagnosis notes, Positioning Handbook, Conditions Manual
- Study key disorders from Orthopedics and Neurodiagnosis (eg. ALS, MS, Guillan Barre, Spinal Cord Disorders, Wallenbergs, etc)
- For the written clinical portion, "write your butt off and explain your reasoning" even if you aren't sure; always explain your logic (you do get points for explaining your thought process)
- Find some fellow CMCCers who are writing and study together, role play, quiz each other, practice your othropedics and history taking, etc.
- Arrange a time to go into Radiology Lab at the Uni and go over their films (Peterson style)
- BE CONFIDENT in your knowledge!
- If you are writing in Sydney, talk to Dr. Peter Bull - he will give you a more thorough review of how things will go and may even give away some hints. Also, he puts some radio questions at the back of a Chiropractors Magazine - ask to review those.
- In the practical, just explain yourself and again use reason and logic
- The Radiology portion of the exam is easier than Peterson/Pringle Radiology
The only real gem that I can pass on is to Be Confident! Most times they are just trying to throw you "what if" questions....just focus and use your CMCC education and you will do GREAT!!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
So...how much is this move going to cost?
FINANCES
This is a big decision and it is also a very costly decision. My only advice is to start budgeting early for this trip. Getting set up in a new country isn't cheap.
I've compiled some lists of costs you may face as you move to OZ.
1. Aussie Boards - Evaluation Costs
Desktop Audit $310 AU
Comp Exam (clinical, written) $810 AU
Comp Exam (practical|) $1820 AU
Total: $2440 AU + postage + cost to certify passport pics, etc.
2. Flights to Australia
This can vary; usually between $700-1000 CDN (one way)
3. Travel Insurance
I highly recommend getting health insurance;
purchased mine from Manulife for approx $70 CDN
4. Registering with State Boards
After you have passed the Licensing CCEA Exams, you will be required to get Board certified depending on which state you choose to practice within.
Obviously this varies state to state, but is generally approximately $400 AU
5. Private Indemnity Insurance to Practice
Guild Insurance is the most common provider for PI Insurance in Australia. The average cost is about $3000 AU annually. This can be paid monthly. I would recommend speaking to your employer about a way to deduct this from you salary each month before you pay tax ("Salary Sacrifice" - more on this, see the post on Contracts and Agreements).
6. Accomodation Costs (during Exam period)
The CCEA recommend coming to Australia one or two months before the exam to observe practice in Australia. If you can afford to this, then by all means take some time to adjust to the climate, time change and observe a chiropractor. However, after 4 years of paying tuition I honestly couldn't afford to pay for accomodation while I was in Australia a month before writing the exam. Some of my fellow expat classmates and I arrived about 2 weeks before the exam. We spent the next two weeks cramming for the three days of examinations. Two weeks is enough time especially after having written the Canadian Boards in June. Accomodation will vary depending on if you are staying at a hotel, a hostel or crashing at a friends home. For me, I spent the first week on a friends couch in Sydney and then about $70 AU per night for the following week. Expect to pay anywhere between $50 - 100 AU per night depending on where you stay.
7. Set Up Costs
Whether you choose to live in the city or in a regional town will dictate how much you will spend on rent/fuel/food/etc. In Mackay (regional), my costs were: $200 AU per week for rent, $50 AU per week for food, $50 AU per week for fuel/car maintenance. It was harder to find accomodation in a regional town. In Brisbane (city), my costs were a little cheaper and it seemed easier to find a place to live.
THE COST OF LIVING DOWN UNDER
To be honest, I believe the cost of living in Australia is higher than Canada. But others have different views. Currently, the exchange rate is 0.824.
This is a big decision and it is also a very costly decision. My only advice is to start budgeting early for this trip. Getting set up in a new country isn't cheap.
I've compiled some lists of costs you may face as you move to OZ.
1. Aussie Boards - Evaluation Costs
Desktop Audit $310 AU
Comp Exam (clinical, written) $810 AU
Comp Exam (practical|) $1820 AU
Total: $2440 AU + postage + cost to certify passport pics, etc.
2. Flights to Australia
This can vary; usually between $700-1000 CDN (one way)
3. Travel Insurance
I highly recommend getting health insurance;
purchased mine from Manulife for approx $70 CDN
4. Registering with State Boards
After you have passed the Licensing CCEA Exams, you will be required to get Board certified depending on which state you choose to practice within.
Obviously this varies state to state, but is generally approximately $400 AU
5. Private Indemnity Insurance to Practice
Guild Insurance is the most common provider for PI Insurance in Australia. The average cost is about $3000 AU annually. This can be paid monthly. I would recommend speaking to your employer about a way to deduct this from you salary each month before you pay tax ("Salary Sacrifice" - more on this, see the post on Contracts and Agreements).
6. Accomodation Costs (during Exam period)
The CCEA recommend coming to Australia one or two months before the exam to observe practice in Australia. If you can afford to this, then by all means take some time to adjust to the climate, time change and observe a chiropractor. However, after 4 years of paying tuition I honestly couldn't afford to pay for accomodation while I was in Australia a month before writing the exam. Some of my fellow expat classmates and I arrived about 2 weeks before the exam. We spent the next two weeks cramming for the three days of examinations. Two weeks is enough time especially after having written the Canadian Boards in June. Accomodation will vary depending on if you are staying at a hotel, a hostel or crashing at a friends home. For me, I spent the first week on a friends couch in Sydney and then about $70 AU per night for the following week. Expect to pay anywhere between $50 - 100 AU per night depending on where you stay.
7. Set Up Costs
Whether you choose to live in the city or in a regional town will dictate how much you will spend on rent/fuel/food/etc. In Mackay (regional), my costs were: $200 AU per week for rent, $50 AU per week for food, $50 AU per week for fuel/car maintenance. It was harder to find accomodation in a regional town. In Brisbane (city), my costs were a little cheaper and it seemed easier to find a place to live.
THE COST OF LIVING DOWN UNDER
To be honest, I believe the cost of living in Australia is higher than Canada. But others have different views. Currently, the exchange rate is 0.824.
The next step.... Aussie Licensing Board Exams
So you've made the decision....you want to live and practice chiropractic in Australia! Yay!
But, before you buy your first surf board you need to pass the Australian Chiropractic Licensing Exams, which allow you to practice as a chiro down under......more information below.
Check this website out - THOROUGHLY:
www.ccea.com.au/
www.ccea.com.au/
I highly recommend that you research the above website completely at least a few months before the big move overseas. There are many little intricacies of the application process and some deadlines to remember - so right these down and get your application and $$ in on time! There is a Candidate Guide to download and read as well.
I've summarized some information below.
All chiropractors, who have trained outside of OZ are required to do a two step evaluation process which will then qualify them to seek registration from respective state boards. (Keep in mind however that just because you passed the exam doesn't mean you will necessary be granted registration!)
The competency evaluation is a two step process:
Step 1: Desktop Audit (approx $310 AU)
Step 2: Comp Based Assessment (approx $3440 AU - although we are exempt from a portion of this so subtract $810 AU) * see below for exemption details*
The Desktop Audit - no big deal application. Just need a few references, transcripts, passport pics, application fee, etc. * remember there is a deadline on this*
Competency Based Assessment - this is the nitty gritty exam. Components include: written basic (again this is the section we are exempt from ie save yourself $810), written clinical and practical clinical sections.
There are three locations for this assessment: Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
As an aside, some students ask if one of these locations administers an easier/harder exam than others...the answer to that is - "I honestly have no idea". I wrote my exam in Sydney and found it quite challenging, but obviously passed. Many friends and fellow CMCCers have mentioned that the Melbourne exam was harder. Just study your butt off and treat it like a CMCC exam and you should be fine!
The exam is broken down into 3 days:
Day 1: Written Basic Competency
*As for the exemptions, if you hold a degree from a CCE accredited school (eg CMCC), you are exempt from writing sections of this Written Basic Competency*
Day 2: Written Clinical Competency
This includes things like orthopedics, neurodiagnosis, radiology - basically the "major stuff"
Day 3: Practical Clinical Competency
This includes a) your technique and b) a case study you must review and then discuss with a panel of three chiro clinicians/profs
Let's break this down:
Technique
This portion is very straightforward. Basic CMCC adjusting. However, they do throw some minor curveballs - for instance, they will ask you how you would modify your adjustment for a pregnant woman, a small boy, an elderly patient, someone who was very kyphotic, etc. Don't let the examiners throw you off - be confident! Just answer the question with common sense.
Case Study
This is the portion that tended to through a lot of us off our game. The practical part is more of an oral dialogue with a panel of chiropractors. We were given 5 minutes to read a case and then asked to go over some questions we would ask in a history, what orthopedic tests we would perform in a physical exam, the diagnosis and the treatment you would recommend. The good thing about this kind of exam is there is a lot of dialogue so you can think out your responses and if you do so logically you will be fine. Again, be confident in your responses! You are CMCC graduates - there is a reason we are a highly respected chiropractic college.
As an aside, after the Sydney Exam (July 07), the head exam administrator (Dr Peter Bull) advised one of our classmates that the CMCC students ranked amongst the highest of those who had written the CCEA exam.
There is more information on "how to study" and some tips from other CMCCers in another post.
Canadian Chiropractors Wanted in Australia!
THE MOVE TO OZ
I didn’t know what to expect as I traveled to Australia barely a month after I graduated from CMCC. I was just hungry for an experience, a life experience. I had lived in Toronto for 27 years and needed a change.
Practice-wise, I was a blank slate. Tabula rasa. I wanted to learn as much as I could from someone I respected. Someone who would be patient and teach me how to become a competent chiropractor. I was looking to learn how to become a proficient adjuster, a caring and compassionate health practitioner.
I was vying for a mentor, looking for that person who would answer my dumb, repetitive questions and would teach me the basics.
When Nita (a fellow CMCC grad who had worked in OZ) mentioned Melinda and a possible associate position at her clinic in Mackay, I was really eager. Intuitively, I knew that she was exactly what I was looking for, despite never having met Melinda personally, and had only spoken to her and mostly her husband, Iain, a handful of times.
THE DECISION TO GO NORTH
Eric (my boyfriend, an urban planner) and I decided that this seachange was exactly what we both needed. He was looking for a change as well and after having only been dating for six months, we took a leap together. The original plan was to move to Australia and try our luck in Queensland, a booming state filled with possibilities. Melinda’s practice was located in Mackay, North Queensland. When we arrived, Eric was bombarded with job opportunities in Brisbane (the capital of Queensland State). I visited a few clinic opportunities in the city, but my gut instinct told me that Mackay was where I needed to start my career, with the support and coaching Melinda would provide. So after careful contemplation and many, many pros and cons lists later, Eric and I mutually decided that I would take the position in Mackay and he would try his luck in Brisbane to work, where opportunities for urban planners were plentiful. Although only 1.5 hour plane ride north, Mackay seemed an eternity away from Eric. We promised we would visit each other every other weekend and we held to that for the next year and a half.
MACKAY
I traveled to Mackay, a small farming and mining centre in Central North Queensland, not knowing what to expect. After the initial shock of the “rural-ness” of Mackay wore off, I began to see what small town life was all about. Good, loyal and down to earth people.
I began my associateship in September 2007 full of motivation and a thirst to learn. Melinda was a great mentor and I began to learn different methods of adjusting. I began to feel more confident in my skills and slowly started building a patient-base of my own. I started with about 40 regular patients per week, all of whom were being adjusted biweekly or monthly. Soon, the number of weekly patients increased to 90 and I expected an even greater boost in numbers when Melinda went on maternity leave in July 2007. I felt that this could be an opportunity to show patients what I had been learning from my mentor over the last 8 months. I grew in numbers and confidence exponentially and quickly became established as the only female chiropractor in the practice. The clinic’s other young chiropractor and my good friend, David, also thrived in practice growth.
MINERS, FARMERS and TRADIES
We were adjusting miners, cane farmers, tradespeople, really big and tough workmen (or workies, as they call them). Tough patients with really damaged backs. This made me work harder. I recall a few times when these big guys came in and took one look at me and decided that I was going to be useless for their backs. This attitude ignited me and I was set to show them that I was more than capable to help them get better. I am a firm adjustor and recall patients noting to our CA, Gillian, that I “was tiny but packed a punch”. Gillian just smiled at them knowingly. She became one of my biggest fans.
When I left the practice in December 2008, I was regularly adjusting between 130-150 patients per week.
After working in Mackay for 15 months, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to move into the city and experience another region of Australia. I decided on Brisbane and received 4 offers of associateships and 1 as a partner. I decided to take a position in the heart of Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, and am currently working to build up my practice there.
My advice to those Canadian new chiro grads or those chiros needing a change, even a break from the cold, give Australia a whirl. The climate can’t be beat and the opportunities for chiropractors are endless.
I decided to put this webpage together to help those of you contemplating a move to Australia for work. It is a big step but a rewarding one.
I didn’t know what to expect as I traveled to Australia barely a month after I graduated from CMCC. I was just hungry for an experience, a life experience. I had lived in Toronto for 27 years and needed a change.
Practice-wise, I was a blank slate. Tabula rasa. I wanted to learn as much as I could from someone I respected. Someone who would be patient and teach me how to become a competent chiropractor. I was looking to learn how to become a proficient adjuster, a caring and compassionate health practitioner.
I was vying for a mentor, looking for that person who would answer my dumb, repetitive questions and would teach me the basics.
When Nita (a fellow CMCC grad who had worked in OZ) mentioned Melinda and a possible associate position at her clinic in Mackay, I was really eager. Intuitively, I knew that she was exactly what I was looking for, despite never having met Melinda personally, and had only spoken to her and mostly her husband, Iain, a handful of times.
THE DECISION TO GO NORTH
Eric (my boyfriend, an urban planner) and I decided that this seachange was exactly what we both needed. He was looking for a change as well and after having only been dating for six months, we took a leap together. The original plan was to move to Australia and try our luck in Queensland, a booming state filled with possibilities. Melinda’s practice was located in Mackay, North Queensland. When we arrived, Eric was bombarded with job opportunities in Brisbane (the capital of Queensland State). I visited a few clinic opportunities in the city, but my gut instinct told me that Mackay was where I needed to start my career, with the support and coaching Melinda would provide. So after careful contemplation and many, many pros and cons lists later, Eric and I mutually decided that I would take the position in Mackay and he would try his luck in Brisbane to work, where opportunities for urban planners were plentiful. Although only 1.5 hour plane ride north, Mackay seemed an eternity away from Eric. We promised we would visit each other every other weekend and we held to that for the next year and a half.
MACKAY
I traveled to Mackay, a small farming and mining centre in Central North Queensland, not knowing what to expect. After the initial shock of the “rural-ness” of Mackay wore off, I began to see what small town life was all about. Good, loyal and down to earth people.
I began my associateship in September 2007 full of motivation and a thirst to learn. Melinda was a great mentor and I began to learn different methods of adjusting. I began to feel more confident in my skills and slowly started building a patient-base of my own. I started with about 40 regular patients per week, all of whom were being adjusted biweekly or monthly. Soon, the number of weekly patients increased to 90 and I expected an even greater boost in numbers when Melinda went on maternity leave in July 2007. I felt that this could be an opportunity to show patients what I had been learning from my mentor over the last 8 months. I grew in numbers and confidence exponentially and quickly became established as the only female chiropractor in the practice. The clinic’s other young chiropractor and my good friend, David, also thrived in practice growth.
MINERS, FARMERS and TRADIES
We were adjusting miners, cane farmers, tradespeople, really big and tough workmen (or workies, as they call them). Tough patients with really damaged backs. This made me work harder. I recall a few times when these big guys came in and took one look at me and decided that I was going to be useless for their backs. This attitude ignited me and I was set to show them that I was more than capable to help them get better. I am a firm adjustor and recall patients noting to our CA, Gillian, that I “was tiny but packed a punch”. Gillian just smiled at them knowingly. She became one of my biggest fans.
When I left the practice in December 2008, I was regularly adjusting between 130-150 patients per week.
After working in Mackay for 15 months, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to move into the city and experience another region of Australia. I decided on Brisbane and received 4 offers of associateships and 1 as a partner. I decided to take a position in the heart of Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, and am currently working to build up my practice there.
My advice to those Canadian new chiro grads or those chiros needing a change, even a break from the cold, give Australia a whirl. The climate can’t be beat and the opportunities for chiropractors are endless.
I decided to put this webpage together to help those of you contemplating a move to Australia for work. It is a big step but a rewarding one.
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