Branch Manager- Paddington

I began working at MD Health as a new graduate Physiotherapist in 2017, having moved to Melbourne from Albury after university. I had some exposure to private practice in the past, but had also heard some scary stories from other new grad Physios about being thrown in the deep end from day 1 in private practice, and not having any idea how to systematically assess and treat their patients.

So, I was a bit nervous about beginning in private practice as a new grad.

But as soon as I stepped into the doors at MD health that nervousness was put to rest. I was introduced to the entire team straight away, and worked closely with the Clinical staff manager to begin learning about MD health’s assessment systems and treatment processes. We brushed up on all the clinical skills I would need in the first 3 to 4 weeks of work, working under supervision seeing clients during this time, before I was handed an independent caseload.

At around 6 months of working independently I was asked if I would like to take on a Student supervisor role. This involved liaising with universities to organise student placements, and being the primary supervisor for these students on their placements. I thoroughly enjoyed this role, and it taught me how to balance a case load and external work, as well as the beginnings of staff management.

Following this role I received a promotion to Clinical staff manager. This involved working with our other physios and exercise physiologists to ensure they were managing their caseloads well, as well as ensuring their training was up to date. This also involved an element of HR management, working closely with the practice manager to juggle annual leaves, cover sick leave, help with onboarding and initial staff training and so on.

This role also involved undergoing some personal development with an external business coach, who helped me enhance my strengths and work on my weaknesses as a manager. This training was invaluable in shaping who I am as a leader today.

After doing the clinical staff manager role for 18 months an opportunity arose for me to move interstate up to Queensland. I approached our managing director with a proposal to potentially open a new MD health branch up in Brisbane. This resulted in a 6 month break from clinical work at MD health, into relocation to Brisbane, and the set up and opening of MD Health Paddington, our Brisbane branch.

Overall, the best part of working with MD Health is the strong team-first culture, and the ever-present opportunities to continue growing – personally, clinically, and as a leader and manager. This is combined with a constant support network from senior clinicians and managers, as we get to share ideas, both as health professionals and now as business managers.