Your Port to Health Ep 3

From Curiosity to Care: Anthony Oates’ Story

In this post, we're giving you a deeper look into the people behind our practice. Today, we're focusing on Anthony Oates, delving into his journey to becoming an osteopath and what drives his patient-centered approach.

A Curious Kid with a Love for Sport

From a young age, Anthony was the youngest of three and was always inquisitive, asking "why" to understand things beyond the basics. He was also heavily involved in sports like footy, cricket, and basketball, though he admits he wasn't particularly successful at them. However, the life lessons he learned from sports and being part of a large family shaped him into who he is today, instilling qualities like loyalty and genuineness.

The Road to Osteopathy

Anthony's path to becoming an osteopath wasn't a straight line. He initially excelled in subjects like English, English literature, and history, but his interest in sports also drew him to health. After a high school psychology teacher told him he might not succeed in an allied health field, he started a double degree in exercise science and psychology. He realized his passion wasn't in strength and conditioning, and he found psychology too theoretical.

A pivotal moment in his youth was seeing an osteopath for a meniscus injury he sustained while playing football. He had previously tried other allied health treatments that felt like "rinse and repeat" exercises. The osteopath he saw took a hands-on, manual therapy approach and, more importantly, empowered him by helping him understand what was happening with his body. This experience, which he describes as a "mind body spirit type approach," resonated deeply with him and eventually led him back to osteopathy.

From Student to Practitioner

University had its challenges. Anthony found the initial years of osteopathy theory difficult, and he experienced self-doubt and performance anxiety when treating new patients. However, his perspective shifted after his internship with fellow osteopath, Dan. Dan's advice was simple: "be a good person," "don't be a dick," and "be true to yourself". This philosophy helped Anthony realize that a practitioner's style develops over time, and he began to see his work as an extension of his own personality.

He now embraces the "grey area" of osteopathy, understanding that progress isn't always linear. He doesn't expect more from his clients than he expects from himself, and he's comfortable with the possibility of failure. A key part of his approach is honesty—he doesn't pretend to have all the answers and will research a client's issue if he doesn't know something, emphasizing that people are "wise to" practitioners who "bullshit" their way through a consult. Anthony's core belief is in a person-centered approach, where the client is an active participant in their own healing journey.

Life and Work Outside the Clinic

Anthony's life outside the clinic is just as grounded. He made a slow and deliberate transition into his osteopathy career, initially working part-time at Bunnings and as a head trainer for a local football club. This gradual shift allowed him to stay in his "comfort zone," which he believes brought out the best in him. He is married with two children, and his family life has given him a new perspective, helping him realize there are things "bigger in life" than his own problems.

In addition to his work at the clinic, Anthony also works in aged care. This role, which focuses on fall reduction and mobility reviews, has shown him the "end stage" of chronic illness and reinforced his belief in early intervention. He uses this experience to educate his clients, especially those in their fourth and fifth decades of life, about the importance of strength training and mobility to maintain a high quality of life.

For new practitioners entering the field, Anthony advises them to ask where they see themselves in 10 to 15 years and to "be authentic to yourself". He encourages them to figure out early on if they truly want to be a one-on-one, front-facing practitioner, noting that it took him four to five years to feel confident in his skills. His journey is a testament to staying the course and "chipping away" at his goals, both professionally and personally.

Anthony's approach is defined by his genuine, no-bullshit attitude. He listens to his patients, delivers great osteopathy, and empowers them to achieve their goals. As a key member of our team, he embodies the philosophy that osteopathy is a "conduit for change," using his skills and knowledge to initiate positive change in people's lives.