“Often when people go through a traumatic incident, whether it be on the sports field, from a car accident, or falling off a bike, the concept of making a full recovery often does not seem like a reality to them. Working as a team with open and constant communication, cooperation and commitment, makes a full recovery very obtainable. This comes with a huge sense of achievement and joy for both myself and the patient’’ explains Matt.
Matt was born and raised in Kloof and went to Kloof Junior and Kloof Senior Primary Schools, followed by Westville Boys High. After matriculating, Matt completed his A Levels at Bishops School in Cape Town.
He then studied Physiotherapy at UCT. In 2016, after graduating, Matt completed his year of community service at Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg.
“South Africa is the only country in the world which requires physiotherapists to complete one year of service in a public sector hospital. The experience that South African physiotherapists receive during this time is invaluable. It is extremely varied and working in a hospital environment requires you to constantly think on your feet.’’
Matt started at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in January with one other intern and in April the Head of the Department left, so, without a replacement, Matt was required to step up and take over the administrative tasks, which was a lot of responsibility but propelled his learning experience.
After his community service year, Matt and his long-term girlfriend, Emma, decided it was time to tick some items off their bucket list. They spent a few months travelling, ending up in Japan.
Matt and Emma then spent a year teaching English in Japan. As a school teacher, Emma taught in a junior high school, while Matt taught English to businessmen and women, as well as in a hospital to a number of doctors, which was mutually beneficial.
Lockdown took place at the time they had booked to come back to South Africa, so it took a great deal of time, expense and patience to return home.
In October 2020, Matt become a member of the Debbie Cameron Physiotherapy team and is based at the Hillcrest Medical Centre practice. Matt has a separate treatment room adjacent to the practice allowing for patients who would prefer to be completely cordoned off.
“I am thoroughly enjoying being based here and working with the Upper Highway area community,’’ concludes Matt.
To book a physiotherapy appointment with any of the Debbie Cameron Physiotherapists at either Hillcrest or Centenary Medical Centres, phone Chantal on 031 765 8898.