As I finish my last week of placements, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences and lessons learned over these past months. Being away from home for the first time has been scary, I have missed my family and creature comforts, but I wouldn’t have chosen any other way to finish my degree. These opportunities have deepened my appreciation for rural healthcare and the unique communities it serves.
Key Takeaways:
Neurodiversity:
Working in Geraldton with a team committed to neurodiversity-affirming practice has cemented my desire to continue advocating and working in the field. It reinforced the importance of respecting each individual’s unique perspective and needs, strengthening my passion for advocating inclusive care.
Cultural Competency and Connection:
In Carnarvon, I was honoured to work alongside Aboriginal individuals and communities, to provide care that was culturally safe and respectful. Traveling through the Gascoyne region—including Denham, Gascoyne Junction and Exmouth— helped me develop an understanding of the diverse cultural landscapes within our state.
Navigating Rural Challenges:
The rural setting influenced every aspect of service delivery, highlighting challenges such as limited access to resources and the need for adaptable therapy approaches. These experiences taught me to be more creative and resourceful in meeting clients’ needs.
Collaborative Care with the Palliative Team:
Partnering with the palliative care team was an incredible learning experience, teaching me the importance of holistic, multidisciplinary support for clients and their families during critical times.
Personal Growth:
Above all, these placements have been completely transformative. They’ve shaped not only my professional skills but also my perspective on the world, highlighting the value of community, empathy, and resilience.
I am deeply grateful to WA Centre for Rural Health for providing this opportunity, WA Country Health Services for welcoming me into their teams, All Star Therapies for helping me discover a practice that aligns with my values, and to my supervisors for their incredible patience and guidance throughout my learning journey.
Isla Taylor - Speech Pathology student, Edith Cowan University