“Mentoring brings me such joy!” was how Dr. Angus Steventon greeted me today when I showed up for my regular chiropractic session.
(L-R) Dr. Bryce Conrad, Interns, Peta Gormly & Jonathan Draysey Dr. Rodney Beckwith, Dr. Angus Steventon.
Overflowing with enthusiasm, he went on to tell me about a group of interns that he’s working with. In their final stages of qualifying, these young, aspiring chiropractors spend time in the practice, observing treatments, taking X-rays under supervision and discussing the experience. Dr. Angus loves the questions, the conversation and the energy generated by mentoring them. He and business partner Dr. Bryce Conrad have 40 interns lined up for this year and are planning on 120 next year.
The Central Coast Spinal Care chiropractic team operates alongside general practice and specialist doctors, practitioners and nurses in a super clinic. The chiropractors have a collaborative relationship with the medicos. Dr Rodney Beckwirth, Director of the Reliance GP Super Clinic, also volunteered to mentor the interns. They get to observe a very experienced GP’s patient consults and debrief them afterwards. He said: “The attraction of having chiropractic students in the medical consultation is that it opens up communication. The interaction allows me to demonstrate my commitment to shared values in health care for our patients. We have the time to discuss the thinking that goes on in the therapeutic process, and I explore how these excellent young chiropractic students experience similar challenges in their domain. So far I have been impressed by the direct, comfortable approach Chiropractic students take to questions put to them. The relationship of our two professions is enhanced- for the benefit of our patients. It is very enjoyable and stimulating.”
Dr. Angus said: “Mentoring, I just love it! I’m sure I get as much out of it as the interns do!”
Do you have a mentoring success story to share? Send me the details and watch this space!
www.reliancehealth.com.au