Describe the Types of Scoliosis Patients you see in Your Clinic.
I see a variety of patients of varying ages in the Scolicare Adelaide Clinic. The most common demographic seen would be adolescents. While a majority of the patients have idiopathic scoliosis, there are also a number of patients who have hyperkyphosis.
Describe Common Challenges Faced by Patients with Scoliosis?
The most common challenge I face in the clinic is the lack of understanding. A lot of patients present [to the clinic] being told they have scoliosis, but have not been given any more information about what it is.
Explain how you Help Patients to Overcome These Challenges.
I have found that the best way to overcome this is to explain to patients about scoliosis and how it develops, utilising a combination of diagrams, pictures and current evidence. This then allows patients and their families to make an evidence based decision on the treatment of their scoliosis.
Why did you Decide to Work in the Area of Scoliosis?
I’ve always had an interest in scoliosis since my university days when Dr. Jeb McAviney came and did two guest lectures. Once I graduated, I continued to do courses to further my education in scoliosis and treatment options, so I could best help my patients. So when the opportunity came up to work with Scolicare, it was an easy decision!
