Student placements reinforce community chiropractic
By Greg Chapman
Three CQUniversity students have rediscovered the vital role chiropractic care plays in rural and regional communities through their recent work integrated learning placements.
The Master of Clinical Chiropractic students: Morgan Terrell, Lachlan Tomkins and Connor Brown - undertook placements as part of their studies and saw firsthand the positive impacts of local chiropractic clinics.
CQU’s Master of Clinical Chiropractic is a leading placement program. The University has a strong history of developing practice ready graduates, with the placement program integral in exposing students to real world clinical environments.
Morgan completed placements in two Emerald clinics at Innate Kids Chiro and Spiccia Sports Chiropractic.
“Attending a rural placement provided valuable insight into how towns and clinics operate in rural areas. I was able to experience the sense of community that there is out there and how pivotal chiropractic treatment is for community members,” she said.
“There is a sense of gratitude that sometimes isn't seen in cities solely due to the fact that for some people this is the only form of allied health care that they can receive.
“My plans for the future will focus on completing a postgraduate paediatric course as well as moving rurally to pursue work within rural communities working with children.”
Lachlan undertook his placement with North Rockhampton Chiropractic.
“Because the clinic serves both Rockhampton locals and people travelling in from surrounding regional communities, I was able to see a wide range of patient presentations and conditions,” he said.
“One thing that stood out to me was how strongly patient relationships were built through shared community ties - everyone knew each other, conversations flowed easily, and there was a real sense of trust between the chiropractors and their patients. It highlighted how important genuine connection is in regional practice.”
He has since secured a graduate position with a previous chiropractic placement in Yeppoon, which he will start once completing his studies.
“Both of my placements have reinforced that regional practice is where I see myself long-term, thanks to the variety of patient presentations, the strong sense of community and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact,” he said.
Connor completed his Masters placement at Platinum Spinal Centre in his hometown of Gladstone.
“I deliberately chose to return home as it gave me the chance to be around family and friends while observing how established chiropractors operate in the community I grew up in,” he said.
“The biggest thing I got out of the placement was seeing how much chiropractic care goes beyond technique. Watching how the chiropractor communicated, handled the pace of their clinic, and built long-term relationships with patients was eye-opening.”
Connor said there was a high demand for chiropractors in Gladstone, which meant his employment prospects were very positive.
“For the future, I plan to continue building my skills, finish my degree and return to Gladstone dedicated to helping the community I grew up in,” he said.
