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As Chris O’Brien’s career illustrates, every cloud has a silver lining.

After almost 10 years at Bendigo Health as a clinical physiotherapist a back injury in 2014 forced him to contemplate his longer-term career.

“I was off work for a while waiting for a lumbar laminectomy and microdiscectomy. I spent a lot of time on my own reflecting how sustainable being a clinical physiotherapist and handling a neurological rehab caseload was going to be,” he said.

“I really thought about what would allow me to still be a help to the community and to Bendigo Health, while also being a good husband and father.”

He transitioned to allied health education.

 “I can still use my clinical skills, but now I can apply them in a different setting,” he said.

A particular highlight has been the Allied Health Early Career Support Program – a program designed to support allied health graduates as they enter the workforce, while equipping them with the skills to develop strong working relationships with nurses.

“I want to set these students up to be the best clinicians they can be,” he said.

“It’s nice to see staff from the program eventually progress into more senior roles, and I hope the education from me and my colleagues has been a part of that,” he said.

Working as an educator in a regional setting has also given Chris more time to enjoy the outdoors.

“I’ve been able to take real advantage of the spaces at Bendigo Health. I regularly have my lunch breaks in the gardens,” he said.

“Work is also walking distance, which means I can maintain my own wellbeing by having that gap between home and work. I can give my all to the organisation, but then put that aside and have that space when I’m at home with my family.”

“Looking back over the last 18 years, I don’t know that working in another hospital would have given me all these opportunities,” he said.

If you want to be your best with us, visit https://bendigohealth.mercury.com.au/

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