Growing up in West Gippsland, Meredith was initially drawn to study occupational therapy at Monash after doing work experience at a local hospital and seeking a hands-on career in healthcare.

While the second and third year of her studies were impacted by COVID-19 and moved online, Meredith, appreciated the opportunity to study on campus in her fourth year.

“I really valued and enjoyed being on campus, especially in fourth year, and being able to interact with my peers and form those friendships and connections. I also really enjoyed my placements, and being able to do all of them with another student.”

As part of her degree, Meredith undertook three rural placements in West Gippsland -  at a geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) ward at a hospital, at an aged care facility, and at a private paediatric clinic.

“Being in a regional area I was able to have a range of placements in 3 very different areas. I was also able to experience more in terms of my hospital placement. Even though I was in the GEM ward, I was able to experience an acute medical ward and a rehabilitation ward. This usually isn't something you'd be able to experience within a metro area so I was really lucky to be able to experience that.”

I would strongly encourage a regional placement, as I have had really different experiences from my friends who had more metro placements. And of the people I know who did both metro and regional they felt there was a significant difference. Although it can be daunting to go somewhere you haven't been before, I have only had good experiences. It's also really great to explore the area while you're there.”

Meredith felt that the scenario-based learning offered by Monash set it apart in giving her an understanding of approaches used in occupational therapy practice.

“SBLs (scenario-based learning) not only allows you to learn the diagnosis and intervention but the systems and services (for example- my aged care and NDIS) in place and common frameworks and approaches used in practice.”

Meredith’s placement experiences prepared her well for professional practice - she was even asked to apply or offered work at each of her three regional placements and ultimately accepted one in private paediatric practice.

In this role she splits her time between work in the clinic and being out on the road, working mostly with 2-7 year olds. During school terms, her work primarily consists of therapy sessions, and social groups on school holidays. Meredith works with children to achieve their goals in school readiness and fine motor skills, social skills, regulation, gross motor skills and self-care skills.

“I really enjoy working with kids and building a rapport with them. You get to do some really fun activities such as cooking, and painting, going out to lunch with some of the older children. You also get to see them grow and achieve their goals which is amazing. I also work with a really amazing supportive team and they are another really important, wonderful part of my role.”