Why did you decide to become a chiropractor?
I was about 11 or 12 and as a kid I was always sick with respiratory problems so my mum took me to see a chiropractor and he found a problem with my spine; after that my lungs started working better and I learnt more about how the human body works. I got my spine and nerves working so my lungs were fixed, no one really thinks about this concept and it inspired me. I was inspired by my own change of health as I noticed my health improve immensely which is why I decided that I wanted to become a chiropractor.
What’s the best thing about your job working at the Murdoch University Clinic?
I had gone from four years of theory, classroom and book work to actually doing something with what I had learnt over the past couple of years. It’s amazing to be part of this; seeing real people with real problems and to see positive changes happening to them.
What’s the worst thing about your job at the clinic?
It’s hard to balance class and prac, but the worst part is the paper work, there’s so much of it from reports, to plans and radiology reports etc… there’s just a lot of paper work.
How does your faith help you in your day-to-day life?
It’s my central focus; whatever life throws at me my faith keeps me grounded. It is comforting to know that I have God and my faith to keep me grounded; no matter what, my faith is always there whether I’ve had a good day or a bad day I can pray about it, it’s part of all aspects of my life.
Tell us about Hands-On-India?
It was an initiative which started eight years ago by a Murdoch chiro student and it helps the people of Silguri which is in West Bengal. The people there break rocks for a living and load them onto trucks, it’s a hard environment and it is essentially slave labour. The student who started this thought two things; one, this is wrong and two they must all have muscular problems which aren’t getting treated. So, fourth year chiro students from Murdoch go every year to India and set up satellite clinics around the area and treat everyone who comes to us and we don’t charge anything, it’s all free.
What is your role regarding Hands-On-India?
I fundraise and get things organised and send it over to India. In my year, we raised about 70 to 80 thousand dollars through balls, movie nights and other fundraisers.
What is the Three Point Plan?
Born out of Hands-On-India, Doctor Noel Patterson, one of the founding chiropractors on the program, started the Three Point Plan, which are poverty, pollution and peace. His aim is to get politicians and the government to help change these things, it’s a hard thing to change but if you channel the right people nothing is impossible.
You’ve been to India before; what did you think about it?
I went in 2011; it was the biggest culture shock ever and it really opened my eyes to the world, but I love the food and we saw the Taj Mahal.
Do you like Bollywood?
It’s fun, up-beat, exciting and happy and I like the traditional dress.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like a bit of sport and music; I play the drums. I enjoy catching up with friends and like Superman I get my strength from the sun, I love summer. I like the beach, and I’m learning how to surf.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a chiropractor?
Do it! If you love what you do you will enjoy waking up on Monday morning and going to work, don’t do something you’re not passionate about it; I love being a chiropractor, anyone who wants to get into it should do their research, read up about it, talk to people and other chiropractors.
What is your favourite movie?
Patch Adams. Anything with Robin Williams in it is hilarious and the movie also teaches you that laughter is the best medicine.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
I will be a successful chiropractor working with kids; my focus is on paediatrics. I will be married with three children and I will be well travelled; I’d also like to work overseas. I have a plan but I’m open to change.
What does being Catholic mean to you?
It opens up a whole new world of fellowship, learning and it is an ever expanding aspect of my life. It offers so much if you want it to and let it into your life, being Catholic to me means that it is never ending.
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had as a chiropractor?
It was in India and a middle aged lady came into the clinic. She was a tea picker, so her job was to pick tea and put it into bags; if she failed to pick a certain amount she wouldn’t get paid. All her joints were in a bad way, as there is so much weight on her back. I took care of her, smiled and gave her a hug and she burst into tears. I thought I’d done something wrong but the interpreter told me that she was just really happy; no one had ever treated her like that before.
What is the saddest thing you have seen as a chiropractor?
Seeing the amount of ill health and sickness, much of which can be prevented by a healthier lifestyle.
If you were on a deserted island what three things would you have with you and why?
My chiropractor to keep me fit and healthy, the Bible and a footy when I get bored.
Tell us about your time in America?
I’ve done two summers in the States at a summer camp; I’ve also represented Australia last year at an event called ‘Talk the Tic’ where students have five minutes to talk about ‘chiropracting’. I represented WA in Brisbane and won, and then I was invited to go to America. I also travelled around caught up with friends.
What do you enjoy about travelling?
The world is so big and there is so much to experience to get out of it, that’s what I like about travelling.
What is your favourite book?
Anything by Matthew Riley; my uncle is a Jesuit priest and he actually taught Matthew Riley at school.