April Introductory Course | Self Education - Cost & Value

Thanks to the great group that have just completed their Introductory Dry Needling Course in Perth.

It was the second time that information was sought specifically about the future structure of the advanced courses in the Dry Needling Program. The first time that specific information was sought, the idea of combining 2D with 3D anatomy came about. Subsequent discussions were had with UWA anatomist Dr Jens Hirschberg coming on board to provide wet lab anatomy sessions before each Advanced Course block.

This time round we offered a prize (Introductory Course DVD - valued at $ 100) for the best suggestion(s) and it went to Lareina Szpak for her comments on emphasizing the teaching method of dry needling as an adjunct to manual therapists, rather than the be all and end all for everything. I will look at suggestions of how to further emphasis this in the Advanced Courses.

In addition to Lareina's suggestion there were quite a few interesting ideas repeated. One was the simple difficulty of getting time off work to attend professional development and the other was the cost of PD. Not something that I think AAP Education can influence, these themes however I thought warranted further discussion. Put simply, I believe learning rarely occurs in a vacuum and there needs to be a balance between in and output. Continually treating leaves little time for reflection and development. Practitioners need to be challenged, new research needs to be integrated and skills advanced. If this doesn't happen then treatments become recipes and practitioners become stale and creativity along with enthusiasm fades.

For employers, I think it is important to recognise the importance of stimulating staff, both for their clinicians' benefit but also for the profession. At Esperance Physiotherapy we set aside an annual budget for staff to spend on their development and then match 50:50 for staff spending over this amount. Given them time off to attend PD is a given. AAP Education has designed a concept for employers , you can read more about it here Your Education Fund.

For employees, how do you price in the cost of educating yourself? Soon after graduating I moved to Canada and was attending a weekend course every month. Usually this involved travel of between 4-8 hours and often involved an additional day off work. On return to Australia I completed my Post Graduate Diploma (one year full time) in Manipulative Physiotherapy. Soon after I also completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Acupuncture. What were the financial costs in dollar terms and what did I gain in professional terms. I believe that there is no better investment in your own development. If I am satisfied with my clinical skills and know that in the majority of clients I can assist, then I have a huge amount of personal satisfaction. I call this the 'rainbow effect' - can't measure it but it sure generates a good glow! Then along came Specialisation. All I can say from this experience is it seems the more something costs in financial $$ the greater the satisfaction. In regards to air travel, accommodation, car hire, courses, time off work and  exams fees, there wasn't much change out of $20K. Do I think that I received value - without a shadow of a doubt clinically. Each client is a learning experience, each weekend courses  fast track concepts and skills and specialisation was like a long course just on steroids.

So I would suggest that if you are keen about being a great clinician,  acknowledge that PD is for life. Set your own budget. Is it 2%, 5% or 10% of your nett income? What $ value do you place on your development. Then decide what you want to learn and seek it out.

Education is a lifetime investment and never wasted.

All the best

Doug