Plodding along....

The fall semester is back in session and I'm adjusting to a new schedule once again. I'm trying to get through my internship prep class ASAP in order to have IRB approval for next semester. This is an internal review board that has to approve any project working with human subjects. Still waiting for my professor and his VA contacts to come through as well. In the mean time I have anthropology and public health, and a research methods class that look quite promising for content and student discussion potential. One more semester to go; I can see the light.

Internship progress

My meeting with the president of Cortiva, here in Tucson, went better than expected. She has offered up her students and clinic for my research design. Do I hear a hallelujah? My advisor has been out of town, but we were able to talk briefly twice while he was away, and he's still in. Next step, connecting with his UA contacts regarding our target population for our volunteer participants. I'm chomping at the bit here as I have a few contacts myself, but Pete says the VA has their own way of doing things and we have to play ball. I played volley ball for the army while serving years ago, does that count?

The Client Prospective

One thing that has made me a better massage therapist (MT) is receiving regular massage treatment. It's like taking a class. Not only am I caring for myself and learning new techniques, I also experience the clients prospective. How comfortable is the table and face cradle, for example? If my sinuses are acting up I can only lay prone for a half hour. The bolster under my knees, when supine, affects my circulation and my legs fall asleep. I'm very healthy, so this may really affect someone who is less so. Is it time for new sheets, have I been too chatty lately with my regular clients, and have I really heard my clients response when asked how they're feeling or what needs focus this session? How does another MT handle client issues like no shows, tardiness, or raising rates? What CEU's are they taking and what has worked lately to gain new clients? Their room decor, office design, and location are always interesting to see in comparison as well. Having a massage session from another MT helps me to review and fine tune my own procedures, professionalism, and prospective.

As the world turns....

Just back from a week's vacation and ready to go. This week I'm meeting with my advisers again at the University to discuss my internship plans. Next week I'm meeting with the president of Cortiva to see what their interest in collaboration with the U might be. Wish me luck everyone, as the process of creating a participation opportunity in MT research, completing my internship requirement for the MPH, and maintaining my business has been challenging (not to mention my family life). I feel like I'm stumbling around blindly while trying to get the right people interested. I'm determined to get my needs met while in this program and fighting frustration with the process. I keep telling myself that's always how it is when attempting to initiate something worthwhile; right?