One of the perks of our job is meeting all sorts of wonderful people. 
This month we would like to ‘shine the light’ on our valued client Fiona McIntyre. Fiona is an Osteopath and in this interview talks about her profession, business and shares some practical tips for us to take on board! Thanks, Fiona.
One of the greatest things that we get to do at Woodward Nhill is to meet all sorts of people. Some of our clients are enjoying retirement and all the joys that this brings while others like our valued client, Fiona McIntyre is running her own business and enjoying her young family with husband Gary. Fiona is an Osteopath and, in this interview, talks to us about her profession, shares some tips we can all take on board plus how she juggles family, career and life in general. Thanks, Fiona.
1. How did you discover that you wanted to become an Osteopath?
I was always playing sport when I was younger and sustained a few injuries along the way. I really wanted to learn more about the human body and biomechanics, and when I discovered Osteopathy and its holistic approach to treatment and rehabilitation, I was hooked!
2. Do most people understand the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor and Physio?
Perhaps not initially, but after one treatment the patient is usually better at explaining the differences than I am – after all, I’ve never been a physio or chiro before!
3. What are the most common issues patients present with nowadays?
A lot of what we see is related to the sedentary lifestyle most of us lead; sitting at the computer for long periods and using the phone for hours on end. We see a lot of sporting injuries these days! I especially love treating pregnant women and helping them through the pregnancy journey – pain-free and mobile.
4. What do you find yourself repeating to patients every day? Is there a universal message we all need to hear?
That we need to move more! The more we move, the more we CAN move. Be it high-intensity exercise, a daily walk, or some yoga; people need to make the time to incorporate it into their everyday lifestyle.
5. How do you cope with running a business and a small family? How do you work out what to prioritise?
I would say with great difficulty! Although my week is quite scheduled with work time and family time etc., often it comes down to putting out the most significant fire first!
6. Who inspires you?
Definitely my Mum and Dad, for their work ethic, and commitment to family. My husband Gary, and daughters Mae and Eloise, for their love, joy and boundless enthusiasm for life. And any woman I know and meet who are trying their hardest and striving to reach their goals, whatever they may be. I get a lot of motivation from seeing others work hard and achieve amazing things.
7. What makes you smile at work?
Absolutely my patients! I have and do meet people from all walks of life, and everyone has a story to tell. I genuinely feel like my patients teach me more lessons than I do them.
8. None of us are immune to health concerns; things impact all of us at some stage in our lives. You have recently experienced your own personal insurance claim; how has that made you feel? How has it helped you with the work that you do with patients?
I have recently put in an income protection claim for partial disablement due to a lower back injury. It has been an incredibly frustrating injury to manage, and I have often had to take a step back and think about what I would tell a patient of mine in the same condition. Some might say – take my own medicine!
9. What value does Paul Bilson, your financial adviser, give you as a client of Woodward Nhill?
Paul made the entire process seamless and hassle-free. I definitely wouldn’t have known what to do without his expert advice, and he originally signed me up for a great policy that has me covered with this injury.
10. Health and wellbeing play such an essential role in our everyday lives, and it seems as though many people understand that. However, how much more work [communication] needs to be done for even more people to understand not only the benefits but how to remain in good health?
I feel that it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Health and fitness awareness has soared over recent years which is fantastic, and we need to keep the conversation going. We have a long way to go before accurate health principles become the everyday norm for the general population.
As a clinic, we regularly share health and fitness tips on our social media pages – check us out!
11. Technology is impacting us all whether at work, at home or anywhere these days! Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Are we becoming lazy or is it making life more comfortable?
I think it’s a good thing in that we can be more productive generally, and it makes life easier. It only makes us lazy if we make that choice; technology isn’t an excuse.
12. As an Osteopath how do you keep up with the latest trends and ways to help your patients?
As a registered Osteopath with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, we are required to complete a number of hours of continued professional development each year. It’s great to be able to pick from a vast array of courses and seminars, lectures and research.
Dr Fiona McIntyre is a Registered Osteopath and is part of a team of Osteopaths that works from Ascot Vale Osteopathy. Visit their webpage www.ascotvaleosteopathy.com.aufor more information.