Transitioning from Private Practice Physio...

MediRecruit's Recruitment Consultant, Eleanor Dwyer recently made the move from Physiotherapy clinical practice to allied health recruitment. Eleanor looked at many different pathway options and weighed up the benefits and challenges of each role. Throughout the decision-making process, MediRecruit Directors Clare and Danielle also gave her great advice and support, as transitioning from private practice is a big decision to make.

“It was not an easy decision to leave a space I had grown in and knew so well into the unknown. The pathways were not obviously laid out and transferable skills were not easy to identify”.

Eleanor’s experience has given her firsthand insights into what it’s like to navigate this journey, as well as knowledge of what areas are available to physiotherapists looking to move out of clinical practice. She shared with us her recommendations on what options other Physiotherapists should consider.

Onsite/ Occupational Physiotherapy

• Pros: Clinical caseload, leadership/ management opportunities, injury management and prevention, salary +
• Cons: Shift work, early starts, late finishes, travel

Occupational Rehab Consulting

• Pros: Mon-Fri 9-5, leadership/ management opportunities, non-clinical but retain AHPRA registration, autonomous working conditions
• Cons: Challenging caseload of compensable clients, admin+, travel

Med Tech Clinical Support

• Pros: Part clinical/ technical skill set, leadership/ management opportunities, working in a surgical theatre environment
• Cons: Lengthy interview process, lengthy and on call hours, travel

Product Specialist/ Assistive Technology

• Pros: Mon-Fri 9-5, large global companies, leadership/ management opportunities, salaried plus bonus incentives
• Cons: Sales, entry level

Other: Allied Health Recruitment/ Research/ Government Policy

• Pros: Mon-Fri 9-5, leadership/ management opportunities
• Cons: Entry level, admin/ office based

While moving out of clinical practice isn’t a decision to make quickly, you can also feel confident that you’ll have the transferable skills to apply if you do decide to move out of clinical practice. These skills include conducting assessments, report writing, problem-solving, critical thinking, people management, and human skills like empathy (just to name a few!).

If you’re also considering transitioning from private practice, please contact us for a confidential discussion.