Speak Out August 2013

Clinical placement insights

D uring May and June of this year, I was lucky enough to complete a paediatric placement with the Department of Education in Hobart, Tasmania. This opportunity arose through the combination of a Rural and Remote scholarship from the NAHSSS, the hard work of La Trobe University’s Clinical Placement Officer Jai Rankine, and my own desire to undertake the challenge of completing a clinical placement interstate. I was placed within the Department’s Learning Services South division, which allowed me to gain an insight into the diverse range of practice for speech pathologists working within the Education Department in this region. Not only was I able to regularly visit local primary schools to conduct speech and language therapy, but I also gained exposure to the ‘ins and outs’ of an early childhood intervention centre, as well as a support school for children with high needs. The varied caseload (and the insistence of my supervisors that I get a full range of experiences while on placement!) provided me with ample chances to put into practice much of the theory I had learnt throughout my degree, and my competence and confidence as an entry-level clinician grew with every day that passed. Certainly, by the conclusion of my six weeks’ experience, I was left wishing I could stay on and continue working with the clients and the colleagues who had made the placement so enjoyable. Experiences of a rural and remote placement in Hobart

It was exciting and affirming when the abstract I submitted was accepted as a paper presentation for the Conference, and that provided motivation to continue despite the many challenges I’ve encountered during the course of my PhD. After a frantic couple of months collecting and analysing data in the short space of time between gaining ethics approval and the Conference, it was rewarding to finally be able to discuss preliminary findings of my research among peers. It was also great to have a deadline to work towards during the early stages of data collection for my PhD, and arriving at the Gold Coast was a fabulous reward after my frantic preparation. I was grateful that many of my Adelaide colleagues were able to attend my presentation, and it was fantastic to have their support. Presenting my research at the Conference was a valuable opportunity to gain feedback from peers, address questions about my research and to make connections with other PhD candidates researching similar topics. It was also exciting to present my research alongside highly respected research and clinical peers, in an inspiring Conference session focusing on aphasia research. The panel discussion at the end of the presentations provided an opportunity to share more detail about my research, and to learn more about other presenters’ research. Overall, attending the National Conference helped to consolidate my clinical, research and presentation skills, extended my professional perspective and networks, and provided motivation and inspiration for continuing to develop my research and clinical skills. There was a focus on embracing social media and disseminating research through Twitter at the Conference, which was a lot of fun and a useful way of keeping tabs on presentations I was interested in but was unable to attend. The SPA National Conference was an amazing experience, and one I’d highly recommend to both clinicians and researchers. Josephine Kemp SA Branch Executive, Professional Standards Portfolio

Hobart too, exceeded my expectations in terms of its accessibility and natural beauty. Mid- week visits to the historic Salamanca precinct or critically acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art were excellent ways to get my culture fix, while on weekends I was able to explore the picturesque regions of Bruny Island, Port Arthur, the Tamar Valley and Launceston. I even scaled the mighty Mt

Eve exploring the sights in Tasmania.

Congratulations Sue! The South Australian Branch would like to congratulate Sue Horton on receiving a Fellowship Award at the 2013 National Conference. We thank you for your significant contributions to SA Branch and the field of speech pathology.

Wellington for a stunning finale to my Tasmania adventure! I feel extremely lucky to have had this experience and encourage anybody who is interested in undertaking a rural or remote placement to actively pursue any opportunity that arises. I am much indebted to both Isobel Lewis and Karina Heier, who served as my clinical educators during the placement, and provided much support and hospitality during my stay in Hobart. Eve Jongebloed La Trobe University, Melbourne

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Speak Out August 2013

Speech Pathology Australia