Clinical Training
A busy outpatient clinic is attached to the London School of Osteopathy. This is the environment which is probably the most exciting for students. This is where students use the theoretical and academic knowledge they have gained in the classroom to assess a patient and to apply their practical skills in carrying out an appropriate treatment.
There is a process of continuous assessment of all the elements of the therapeutic encounter. These include case history taking, using differential diagnosis in exploring a knowledge base to arrive at the point of carrying out the appropriate treatment.
Experienced osteopaths fill the role as clinical supervisors in helping and enabling the student to explore their expanding knowledge and skills. The supervisor is there to guide, support, encourage, and act as a mentor.
Student confidence steadily increases as the course progresses, by firstly observing and assisting, and gradually developing skills to the point of working independently and guiding less experienced students. Each student begins clinical practice at the start of the course and it remains a crucial element in each of the five years. The student gains the confidence that comes with close supervision and hands-on experience.
Clinic tutors come from diverse back grounds (not simply LSO alumni), which serves to enrich and widen the experience within the LSO clinic.