A University of Queensland graduate, Scott completed a five week placement with Up and Active in October and November 2018.

Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH) provided some advice and support for Up and Active during Scott’s placement and is working with other private providers across the Darling Downs and South West to increase placement opportunities in private practice.

Mr Chisholm said he consolidated his learning during the placement and expanded his skills because of the experienced team at Up and Active.

“Even during that short time I built a good rapport with patients while working with my supervisor Mathew Smith.

“During my degree there is lots of scope for placement so I had spent time at Toowoomba Hospital, Ipswich Hospital as well as working with both inpatients and outpatients at Laidley Hospital.

“This experience was invaluable but I found that I really enjoyed the private practice environment and could help patients achieve their goals, see their progress and work on an ongoing basis with them,” he said.

Supervising Physiotherapist Mathew Smith said Up and Active team members were pleased with Scott’s placement and delighted to offer him a full time position with the practice.

“Scott was my first student to supervise and I gained a great deal from the experience.

“I have always thought that it would be beneficial to incorporate student placements in a physiotherapy practice as it means you challenge your own clinical reasoning.

“Scott is very committed to his study and practice and would take time to question treatment options as well as taking on advice and practical tips from the team,” he said.

Mr Smith encouraged other allied health private providers to consider taking on students.

“I had some concerns about reduced productivity but I can reassure other providers that ultimately you increase productivity and overall you are contributing to increased professionalism within your field as well as bringing benefits to the rural health workforce,” he said.

SQRH Director Associate Professor Geoff Argus said SQRH is providing a number of supports for nursing, midwifery and allied health students across the Darling Downs and South West.

“We have student accommodation in five communities – Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Kingaroy, Roma and Charleville.

“We also provide transport assistance, support for training and specialised workshops that encourage interprofessional practice.

“It was particularly rewarding to be part of Scott’s story and know that after he completed his degree he had secured a permanent role,” he said.