Robert Grech, Graduated from the LSO in 2010 and has gone on to set up a successful clinic in Malta.
26th February 2020
What is the most enjoyable thing about being an osteopath?
When working as an osteopath, no day can be the same. Each day I am faced with challenges and opportunities for learning, both on an academic level and in personal development. Osteopathy gives you the opportunity not only to make patients feel better physically, but also emotionally: they get back to doing the things they love, even if it is simple things such as gardening or walking the dog. The satisfaction you get when you bring joy to someone’s life is something you can rarely experience with other jobs.
What would you say to anyone thinking about studying osteopathy at the LSO (London School of Osteopathy)?
The LSO brings you some of the best lecturers within a professional, yet non intimidating environment. The teaching clinic is run like clockwork and the input you get from the supervisors is invaluable. In times of doubt and struggle, I had always found a helping hand at the LSO and student welfare is high on the agenda.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of studying osteopathy?
If you are particularly empathic in nature, possess an open mind for learning, want a sense of purpose in life and a way to contribute to the community, then osteopathy may be the right career for you. Osteopathy can also give you opportunities to further your studies and delve into research. There are emerging opportunities in employment, so it is not necessarily the case that you need to set up on your own (it may not be for everyone).
Did your time at the LSO help you make the decision to set up on your own?
Definitely. The LSO organised lectures by an accountant, who explained all the intricacies of being self-employed and also the pros and cons of employment. We also had visits by practice management consultants who taught us about websites, marketing etc. Most of all, we were encouraged to visualise and write about our future projects, business plan and how we can make a difference in our community. Such topics were never discussed within my Physiotherapy course and I owe a lot of what I learnt about being a clinic owner to the LSO, my mentors in the UK and my fellow schoolmates with whom we discussed ideas for our projects.
Find out more about the LSO here https://lso.ac.uk/
