At the end of every year, I think back to the year 2000. It was probably the first time I understood that one year ended and another began. The year 2000 saw us hosting the Sydney Olympics and me graduating from year 3- a big year for Australia on many fronts. Getting older, I’m constantly forgetting what year we’re in, as the year 2000 seems like so long ago but how can we forget 2022?
This year was anything but ordinary. Kicking off the year with some well-earned easing COVID restrictions meant we were finally able to travel again. Millions of people were reunited with family after years apart and our healthcare system survived a global pandemic.
The world has seen huge change; from global unrest, a rise in inflation, to a new king and millions of workers returning to offices. And whilst there has been significant change, we have also seen significant resilience.
Many of our end users have navigated a time of uncertainty with decreased access to equipment and care. Despite global supply chain challenges (my couch took 5 months to arrive) we’re seeing other avenues open, and many goals finally being achieved. I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store for us, from advances in AT to increased access to accessible public transport (Redfern station, I’m looking at you).
2022 saw our Clinical Team double in size and 2023 may see our team continue to grow! Tilly Brook will be based in Melbourne from January, which is fantastic news for all you Victorians!
As our team expanded, we have been fortunate enough to work with therapists and end users from Perth to Darwin across to Townsville and all the way down to New Zealand. It has been great to work 1:1 with clinicians and support their learning and clinical development outside of formal education sessions.
We have also worked with many of our global team members to get some useful resources into your hands. If you haven’t seen them already, here is the link to access our PAD and Power Standing White Papers as well as our Power Seat Function booklets: APAC Clinical Education - Resources (permobil.com.au)
2023 is already looking exciting. Some of the events on our radar include the International Seating Symposium, ATSA – being held in Melbourne, Perth and Canberra, OT Australia National Conference – Cairns, Oceana Seating Symposium – Melbourne, ATSANZ, Show Your Abilities and many more.
In preparation for a new year (without the impending doom of spicey cough restrictions coming and going), we’re keen to get back on the road and deliver face to face education. We have taken on board a lot of your feedback, and next year we will be offering new courses and Pathways. These Pathways will make your learning easier, due to the streamline nature of them.
If you’d like information on our 2023 courses feel free to email us at education.au@permobil.com or Education.NZ@permobil.com. We are happy to book in sessions with you and your colleagues at your office.
We hope everyone has a restful holiday break and a happy new year. I look forward to seeing you all a few kilo’s heavier (++ ham) for a jam packed year of learning.
Rika Millen
Clinical Services Specialist
Permobil APAC
Rika Millen joined Permobil in May 2022, as a Clinical Services Specialist. After graduating from Western Sydney University in 2014, with a Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy, Rika began working at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney. After rotating through a range of clinical areas, Rika moved into the Spinal Injuries Unit, where her passion for seating and assistive technology was ignited. Rika has since worked closely with clients and therapists across Seating Clinic, Spinal Pressure Care Clinic and the Spinal Injuries Unit to devise customised seating solutions to enable clients to reach their goals.
Most recently working as the OT Team Leader in the Spinal Injuries Unit, Rika developed a passion for teaching and mentoring clinicians, which she hopes to develop and expand on in her new role at Permobil. Outside of work you’ll find Rika running, hiking, skiing or working on her golf handicap.