It's been awhile since my last post and as you've seen since then I have began working in Hong Kong as a physiotherapist (still not used to that work in my vocabulary). I was recommended a clinic in the neighboring district by a friend from church who forwarded my resume on to the manager. Fast forward to now and I'm in my third week of work and adjusting back to working pretty well. It's been quite a change for me since I haven't been working in an outpatient clinic since a clinical in college but I'm learning a lot in the process.
I work part-time, Monday/Wednesday/Friday for 6 hours a day. It's enough to give me something to do away from the apartment but not too much that we need to get somebody to take care of Ahri while I'm away. It also gives me the flexibility to travel with Ryan whenever the opportunity is there for us.
My patients have been a mix of local Hong Kong residents and expats from all over the world. I've learned how to phrase my normal questions differently and to not be shocked by some answers (did not expect 'black magic' to be a form of prior treatment a patient may try). The main sport I am seeing injuries from is rugby (do NOT try to compare it to American football...they just laugh at you) and I continue to learn more each day from some past and current rugby players I work with. The other big cause for patient's coming in is bad posture from sitting at a desk for long periods of time. Now I thought the cubicle life in the US was bad but I've spoken to some people who are working 12 hours a day and not getting up for lunch. The corporate world here in Hong Kong is a lot more intense mentally and physically! One of the big differences I noticed right away with working here in Hong Kong is that I work on a commission basis for each patient I see. It's a lot different than the hourly pay I was used to in the US hospital system but is nice for flexibility if I don't have any patients scheduled.
It's been fun to make relationships with co-workers from all over the world and compare backgrounds on training and such. Some people have asked if we do any Eastern medicine in our clinic and the answer is 'a little'. 2 of the physios are trained in acupuncture and use it fairly regularly with patients. I've been told the training in Hong Kong is 2 years and is mostly in Chinese, so very few expat physios are qualified. The other main difference I have found in our clinic is the use of clinical pilates and pilates machines for treatment. Luckily I've had a few slow days and have been able to test it out and begin using it with patients!
It's been a great first few weeks and I look forward to continuing to learn more from my co-workers and patients. I've been very fortunate for this opportunity to finally come around and can't wait to see what the future holds!
PS- Happy early 1 year wedding anniversary to my wonderful husband, Ryan. Thank you for supporting our little family in Hong Kong during the past almost year. I know it was stressful and uncertain week to week, but you always were so supportive and had such a positive outlook to help get me through. I love you so much and can't wait to see you when you return home next week!
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| Ahri says hi! |
