2024 marked a significant milestone in my career as I entered the job market for the first time. It has been a year filled with both challenges and triumphs. At the start of the year, I was excited to step into the professional world. I had a clear vision of wanting to find a role that would not only offer valuable experience but also help shape my career in sports physiotherapy. A role that would also allow me to work with a sports team and progress my knowledge of sports physiotherapy, which is what I considered my “dream job.” However, I quickly realized that landing a job was not as simple as I had anticipated. The job search proved difficult, especially since many positions required prior work experience, which I did not possess yet. Despite the initial setbacks, I remained optimistic, persevered, and continued applying to various positions. I even reached out to hospitals and local physiotherapists to explore potential job opportunities.
In February, my persistence finally paid off when I secured my first interview. The interview was successful, and I was offered a locum position at a private practice. I was thrilled, as this was my first exposure to private practice, and it provided me with invaluable hands-on experience. Each patient I treated allowed me to develop my skills further, and the learning was continuous. Sport has always been a significant part of my life. I began as a gymnast in primary school, before discovering a passion for volleyball in high school. In addition to playing, I also love watching sports. Football, cricket, rugby, and tennis are some of my favorites. My lifelong interest in sports is what inspired me to pursue a career in physiotherapy. However, the excitement didn’t stop there. A few months later in July of 2024, I was fortunate enough to land my “dream job” working at the Sharks Medical Centre.
The Sharks Medical Centre is a renowned practice, found at the iconic Kings Park Stadium and is at the forefront of sports medicine, offering a multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare. The Centre emphasizes integrity, education, and teamwork, ensuring that practitioners not only collaborate but also support one another’s professional growth. I was incredibly fortunate to join the Sharks Medical Centre so early in my career, and it has already had a profound impact on my development as a sports physiotherapist.
Since I joined the practice, my growth has not only come from treating patients but also from learning directly from an experienced physiotherapist. Tutorials are scheduled regularly to focus on improving my technical skills, such as manual therapy and assessment techniques. These sessions also taught me that being an effective physiotherapist goes beyond technical expertise and that strong communication skills are just as essential. One of the key concepts I learned was ICE—ideas, concerns, and expectations—which plays a crucial role in patient assessment. We also reviewed various courses I completed throughout the year. Some topics included sports biomechanics, field-side player care, and concussion education. I gained a deeper understanding of sports physiotherapy by discussing these courses and applying the knowledge to real-world scenarios. This brought me one step closer to my goal of working with a professional sports team. I had the incredible opportunity to work with the Dolphins Ladies Cricket Team. Shadowing the head physiotherapist, interacting with the coaching staff, and observing the preparation required before and during match days, was an invaluable experience. It was an unforgettable learning opportunity that gave me firsthand insight into the role of a sports physiotherapist.
Looking back, 2024 has certainly been a year of growth and achievement, despite its challenges. Not only have I expanded my skills and knowledge as a sports physiotherapist, but I also secured my dream job working at the Sharks Medical Centre. I am confident this will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of my career as a sports physio. As I look forward to 2025, I am filled with excitement. I know the coming year will bring even more opportunities to grow, develop, and further my education. I am especially looking forward to more opportunities to work with the Dolphins Ladies Cricket team and am eager to begin my master’s program. This will add another layer to my professional journey. I can’t wait to see where 2025 will take me and the new experiences and adventures it holds.
