Welcome back to The Confident Physio Podcast! In this episode (#32), The Physio Co's Tristan White and Jess Soding are joined once again by TPC community physio, Leon Dawood, for the second half of their 'deep dive' interview.

This time, the trio explore the unique concept of “in the moment learning”, and discuss how community physios can make the most of those windows of downtime between client visits.

Leon shares his personal strategies, from leveraging daily team huddles and grad calls to self-directed research and real-time reflection, all while balancing the day-to-day requirements of working with older adults in the community.

Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced practitioner, this episode is packed with practical tips on embracing lifelong learning, prioritising self-reflection, and making your day-to-day routine more enriching for you, and your clients.

So, get ready to discover how to turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities!

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM LEON:

• "Something is better than nothing. So even if I am doing a little bit - if it’s five minutes of learning - it's better than doing no learning for that day."

• "I definitely recommend prioritising learning… there’s still so much that us as physios in this industry can learn, especially given that there’s always different research papers getting publicised on a daily basis."

• "I feel like being intentional with this in-the-moment learning, realising that I’ve got thirty minutes between now and my next client… being intentional with that time is one of the most powerful things we can do."

• "Self-reflection definitely helps quite a lot. And it’s something that is taught in uni, and it was something that I kind of shrugged off and thought, oh, it’s not really important. But now working in the industry and working in the field, it’s definitely something that I do quite a lot."

• "Pinpointing things that I’m weak at or not as good as I think I should be, and then doing a bit of research and a bit of learning to work on those weaknesses - that self-reflection is really valuable in helping me grow as a physio."

Welcome back to The Confident Physio Podcast, brought to you by The Physio Co - a well-established company that's passionate about helping seniors stay mobile, safe and happy in their own homes.

In this episode, co-hosts Tristan White and Jess Soding sit down with Leon Dawood, a community physio who joined The Physio Co in August 2024. Together, they dive into Leon's journey from growing up in a sporting family and witnessing the impact of allied health firsthand, to finding his calling in helping seniors achieve their goals and regain confidence.

Leon opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his passion for physiotherapy, including his mother's health challenges and his time volunteering in aged care.

The conversation highlights the unique rewards of working with seniors, the importance of empathy and communication, and the unexpected surprises that come with being a community physio.

Whether you're considering a career in physiotherapy or already part of the community, this episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and practical advice to inspire and inform.

ABOUT LEON:

From a young age, Leon was immersed in the world of sports and allied health, inspired in part by his father, a semi-professional soccer player.

Encouraged to play soccer from the age of six, Leon spent over a decade on the field, developing a passion for both athletic performance and physical well-being.

This early exposure led him to discover his calling in physiotherapy, a profession he aspired to pursue for most of his life.

Leon’s background in sports and his familiarity with allied health shaped his journey, guiding him toward a career dedicated to helping others achieve their physical best.

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM LEON:

• "Communication is key. The way you communicate with one client is completely different to how you communicate with another client."

• "I feel like a lot of people have this stereotype of seniors, where they think they’re not strong or not functionally capable… but that’s definitely incorrect."

• "Be comfortable in awkward situations. We try to force conversation with our clients sometimes when they don’t need to be forced. Sometimes it’s okay to just do their exercises and not chitchat."

Welcome back to The Confident Physio Podcast, your go-to source for community physios, by community physios.

Cohosts Tristan White and Jess Soding from The Physio Co (TPC) welcome back Dan Tran, a dedicated member of the TPC team who first made an appearance on the show some two years ago.

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into Dan’s invaluable experiences gained over the last two years as a community physio working with seniors.

Dan shares his thoughts on the importance of building genuine connections, not only with his clients but also with their families and other staff in senior communities such as retirement villages.

He reveals the power of small conversations and the critical role a simple smile plays in establishing trust and rapport with clients.

Tristan and Jess explore various strategies with Dan for creating enriching relationships that can lead to better care outcomes and provide positive news in a world often filled with challenges.

Whether it's a casual chat in an elevator or a proactive check-in with a case manager, Dan illustrates how fostering meaningful relationships can brighten not just a client's day but also that of their caregivers.

This episode is an educational gem, brimming with practical advice and inspirational stories and anecdotes to encourage physios to approach their roles with confidence and compassion.

Tune in for actionable insights that could enhance both your professional practice as a community physio!