Matt Short
Chiropractor
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences endorsed in Musculoskeletal Management Otago 2017
Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Musculoskeletal Management (current)
Returning to study postgraduate papers at University of Otago has been one of the most rewarding and progressive decisions Matt believes he has made in his professional career.
“Naturally I was nervous about the commitment, unsure of my abilities, and completely blind to what I was getting myself into. However, the support, the mentoring, and incredible amount of resources available to the student made the journey an enjoyable addition to my already busy life. It's been rewarding too.”
For the last 18 years Matt has owned and operated a busy Chiropractic clinic in Tauranga. There is always plenty to do to keep the wheels of a health clinic turning which is why he believed he was “too busy to study”. However, he wishes he had started earlier as the benefits of postgraduate study has really paid off.
“Through the highly qualified and helpful tutors and their support staff (special 'hat-tip' to Library and administration staff), I found my health message became more polished, relevant, and well informed. Further, I redesigned clinic procedures to better accommodate the needs of new clients, set outcome goals (in line with their goals), and, most importantly, feel the delivery of my healthcare is significantly better. As a result, my busy clinic got busier.”
All of the above Matt experienced as a distance student, studying part-time. Matt says there has been no loss of income nor loss of family time, just a need to be well organised. According to Matt, “If you think you can improve your time management, discipline yourself to do the reading, and are open to learning new things, then enrol at the University of Otago and enjoy extending yourself to greener and more informed pastures.”
Matt has enjoyed the journey so much and says he feels so well supported, he has continued onto the Master's program to research the greater depths of his professional curiosity. “It's lots of fun.”
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