What I have learned after the completion of Master Class
Master Class comes to an end, and I find myself in a strange place.
It feels so different to finish something that you know isn't the end and that you don't have it all figured out. That's not to say when I've done courses in the past, I've had it all figured out. Simply put, it's a two day course to give you a skill set that you can then apply in the clinical setting. Master Class has allowed me to really assess what it is I want out of my career.
I spend a lot of time focusing my energies on the clinic, my family and procrastinating about all the things I'd like to do. I now find myself in a position where I actually know where I want to go next. I might not know how to get there, but I know what I want.
“Learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable” is a phrase I've heard many people use, and to be honest, I'm actually more comfortable being uncomfortable than I am knowing the answer. I have always been on a journey with a set destination. So for example, working in previous clinics, or even in my own business, I've set myself goals to know by the end of this date, I will know how to do X, Y and Z. I will be an expert at those things. Now I can really see this is a journey without a destination, lots of twists and turns, and opportunities for me to become less of an expert and more of a guide.
It forces me to be okay with the things I don't know. The only question I have now is how do I ensure I keep this going?
I know doing regular reflection is going to be beneficial to me, and setting aside that time every week to connect with like minded people to discuss the hard things, is a necessity.
This journey has taught me that sharing information will create an environment where even more people can be encouraged to discuss and learn from one another. And unfortunately, I think a lot of people, me included, have felt intimidated, oddly enough, not by other professionals, but by other physiotherapists. I realize we all have our own style of practice, and I find I now am more encouraged to send patients on to cohorts that are better suited to help with their recovery, because of their practice model.
It does feel good to simply say, I'm sorry, I'm not the right person for you at this time. But I'm more than willing to chat with you in the future.
Experiencing the different journeys of those in the class has definitely changed my perspective with having shared so many ideas.
It's let me open the gates to consider teaming up with athletic therapists or massage therapists or fitness professionals to help my clients reach their goals. I understand exercise, I understand movement, but being able to communicate with these professionals would be far more beneficial for my clients.
I now feel confident communicating more with other practitioners to be that central point where everyone can work collectively to change the treatment outcome for our patients.
Nicola Robertson
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist