TRADE SECRETS
Amanda Coleshill DO, Registered Osteopath Why did you become an osteopath? Initially I considered becoming a vet, but soon realised that I wouldn’t make the grades required. After spending some time with our local vets, in Okehampton, becoming a veterinary physiotherapist started to look like an option. Whilst investigating this I came across chiropractic and osteopathic medicine. Our family had always used an osteopath in Plymouth, so I sat in on some of his clinics and decided that osteopathy was for me. I liked the holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, the ability to make a diagnosis, being a recognised medical practitioner and that I would be self-em ployed.
How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need? Osteopathy is a protected title, which means that only a qualified and registered practitioner can practice as a registered osteopath. To become a registered osteopath, you need a Masters in Osteopathic Medicine. There are eight courses available, which are recognised by The General Osteopathic Council. The entry requirements slightly vary, but generally require 3 A-level passes, including biology and at least one other science. Once you have qualified you are required to complete 90 hours of continuing professional
development every 3 years, to maintain your registration.
How long have you been an osteopath? I qualified from the British School of Osteopathy, with a Diploma in Osteopathy, having completed a 4-year undergraduate course and 2500 hours of clinical training. When osteopathy became a protected title, and the General Council of Osteopaths was founded, I was one of the first osteopaths to be accepted onto the register. I graduated in 1988, which is longer than I care to remember!
Where do you work? I am the principle osteopath at Tavistock Osteopaths in the town centre. The practice was set up in 1984 and I took it over in 2001. It is a private practice, but our fees are covered by most health insurance companies.
Who else works with you? There are three other practitioners alongside me at the practice: Kevin Metcalfe BSc (Hons)Ost, a registered osteopath, who graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 2001; Sonya Hirst BSc (Hons)CST MCSS, a craniosacral therapist; Sarah Bowler LSSM Dip (BTEC Lvl 5) MISRM, who provides sports massage therapy and reflexology.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career? Do it! Osteopathy is one of the 14 allied medical professions. It is holistic in its approach, considering not only what is causing your patient’s pain, but why it has happened to that person and why the problem has not resolved itself. In the past week I have treated a pregnant mother, a 9-day-old baby, a 6-year-old child and people in their 80s. They have presented with problems ranging from heartburn, post-operative pain, low back pain, knee pain, headaches and neck pain. The training to become an osteopath is rigorous and arduous, but as a career I cannot think of anything else I would rather be doing. Amanda Y Coleshill DO Registered Osteopath 3 Abbey Place, Tavistock PL19 0AB 01822 616103 www.tavistockosteopaths.co.uk
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