Annabelle Maillot

Student physiotherapist. St Leonard’s Hospital MSK outpatients service and Dorset MSK.

Summary of placement

My placement was split 4:1 between MSK outpatients at St Leonards Hospital and Dorset MSK respectively. I would see most patients for initial assessments and follow ups in St Leonards Hospital and work closely with an advanced spinal practitioner within the Dorset MSK Service to see more complex patients who had been referred onwards for potential imaging. I had supervisors on both placement sites who were there to support me throughout.

Benefits

  • I was able to apply the skills in which I learnt from one to the other and became more confident in my practice.

  • The split placement helped me understand the pathway between services such as who, why and when to refer individuals.

  • I was able to continue follow up appointments with my patients.

Challenges

  • It can take longer to adapt to working within the different environments.

Advice you’d give to others

  • You will meet various practitioners of all levels, who treat and assess differently. I would encourage students to ask questions to form your own way of treating and assessing.