Scholarship awarded to support Warrnambool physiotherapist

8 Mar 2022

Karen, who works at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital, is one of the inaugural recipients of the Sister Bridget Clancy Scholarship for the Empowerment of Women through Education, which was launched this year to support the careers of clinical caregivers at St John of God Health Care, one of Australia’s largest Catholic providers of maternity services. 

The scholarship will support her to complete a Masters of Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health) at the University of Melbourne.

“I am so very thankful for the opportunity that the sisters are able to provide, and I am proud to work for an organisation that recognises the need to support women and further education,” Karen said.

“This scholarship allows me to continue my postgraduate studies, enhancing my skills and knowledge to provide the best possible pelvic floor physiotherapy care to patients in the southwest of Victoria. I pride myself on being an excellent physiotherapist who provides compassionate individualised care.  I believe if I wish my patients to improve, I need to continue to improve myself. 

“Finally I hope to be a role model for other girls and women, both in health care and the general community, by demonstrating that education is something to be proud of and striving for ongoing knowledge is possible and should be celebrated.”

Karen said she had noticed a decline in the wellbeing of some patients as a result of the pandemic.

“It has been so difficult to see that some of our patients have become incredibly deconditioned as a result of the pandemic,” she said.

“What would be considered lower priority health concerns have not been addressed, and now it is a long road back to a better quality of life for these people, but I am thankful that we are continuing to support and help patients and their families through this time.”

St John of God Health Care Group Director Workforce Carla Bonev congratulated Karen on receiving the scholarship, as one 36 other women St John of God Health Care is supporting to extend their careers.

“I am so pleased that we have been able to support so many women this year to further their studies to continue their growing their careers.”

“The Sister Bridget Clancy scholarship for the empowerment of women through education, supports career development and professional growth, and continues the legacy and vision of the courageous women who founded St John of God Health Care.”

The scholarship, which is sponsored by the Sisters of St John of God in celebration of their 150 year anniversary, is open to female clinical caregivers registering for undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in selected fields.

The scholarship continues the legacy and vision of the courageous women who founded St John of God Health Care and is named after Sister Bridget Clancy to recognise her critical role as one of the founding Sisters.

Sister Bridget Clancy made her vows as a Sister of St John of God in April 1874. When she joined the Sisters she cared for women in St Bridget’s Home, a home for women within Wexford Jail. She was the primary mentor for women who aspired to become a Sister of St John of God, and was responsible for overseeing their religious and spiritual development.