Chiropractic students reflect on international learning experience in Australia

As Health Sciences University prepares for a new academic year, students from our AECC School of Chiropractic have been reflecting on an international learning experience in Australia and the impact it has had on their understanding of healthcare.

Ten students travelled to Brisbane for a two-week visit with CQUniversity Australia (CQU), giving them the opportunity to learn alongside final-year chiropractic students and experience healthcare delivery in a different cultural and community context.

During the visit, students took part in classes and clinical experiences, including visits to community-based clinics working with different patient groups and communities. These experiences provided insight into different patient needs and the importance of considering the individual, their circumstances and their community when delivering healthcare.

Alongside their academic and clinical learning, students had the opportunity to experience life in Brisbane and visit the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

A new perspective on healthcare

For HSU chiropractic student Joe Preece, the experience offered a new perspective on both chiropractic and healthcare.

Joe said:

“My two weeks in Australia were an invaluable experience that gave me a fresh perspective on both chiropractic and healthcare. The experiences that had the greatest impact on me were the Samoan outreach programme, the Elders Community Clinic and the amputee clinic.”

Reflecting on what he took away from these experiences, Joe added:

“Whether it was adapting care for amputees or appreciating the importance of culture and community, these experiences broadened my understanding of what good healthcare looks like.”

He said the experience reinforced the importance of seeing patients as individuals and demonstrated that effective care extends beyond assessment and treatment techniques.

Joe added that he hopes to carry this approach into his future practice and continue learning from different people, communities and experiences throughout his career.

Developing international opportunities

The Australia visit followed an international visit to IMU University in Malaysia earlier in the academic year, as the AECC School of Chiropractic looks to expand international learning opportunities for its students.

Speaking earlier this year about the School’s developing international opportunities, Dr Philip Dewhurst, Associate Professor in the AECC School of Chiropractic and International Partnerships and Developments Lead, said:

“As we continue to expand these opportunities, we aim to offer international visits annually to support a truly global perspective on chiropractic practice.”