Osteopath Jamie Dearing answers our questions about his journey from a New Zealand amusement park to running his own osteopathy clinic in Oxford

What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

It was a summer job at a safari-themed amusement park in Auckland, New Zealand, where I grew up. Responsibilities included looking after the bumper boats and the mini-golf.

How much was in your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

I cannot remember exactly, but it probably wasn’t much. I was mad about cycling at the time, so it probably went on bicycle kit.

Describe how you career developed to the present day.

In 2003, I was working in London in advertising and marketing. I was not really enjoying it.

I did not aspire to do my boss’s job, which I think is a sign you need to make a change. I had always had a strong interest in health and wellbeing and after looking into lots of health-related career options, I found osteopathy.

It just seemed to make sense to me so I enrolled on the London School of Osteopathy’s five-year course and started in September 2003.

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

Every day I work with people in pain. My job is to use gentle, hands-on techniques designed to ease pain, reduce swelling, improve joint mobility and release muscle tension. I also feel it is my responsibility to give people an understanding of why they have pain and advise them on things they can do to help themselves. I am also responsible for running the business and the mentoring and development of the associates that work with me.

Describe a typical day I am in the clinic for 9.30am (after the school run). My diary is broken up into blocks of four treatments at a time, with a small break between each block. I spend 45 minutes with new patients, and follow-up treatments last 30 minutes.

Two nights a week I work through to 8pm, with other late nights covered by my associates. Gaps in the diary are taken up with a myriad of administrative tasks, such as writing case notes, referral letters, managing insurance claims, invoicing and follow-up telephone calls.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

Two London-based osteopaths, Paul Musk and Gavin Burt, rate highly. Both took a chance on me, giving me my first jobs.

What has been your best decision?

To set up my own clinic in November 2011. It was nerve-wracking at the time, but has been really rewarding.

And your worst?

Having to change the original layout of part of my clinic after it was built. It cost me a lot to move walls and electrics.

Do you run an apprenticeship scheme and, if so, why?

I provide a structured training programme for recently graduated osteopaths which is designed to develop their technical and inter-personal skills.

What is the secret of good management?

Being organised — and not procrastinating too much.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

Like most working people, I wish I had more time. Running your own business is demanding, but ultimately you get to set your own rules. I get to spend time with my kids in the mornings but on the downside, I work late a couple of nights a week and cover shifts when my colleagues are unwell. I can take time off when I need, which is great for covering school holidays but I do not work I do not get paid.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business today?

Having a business located in the centre of Oxford means there is very little that can be done about the high costs of rent and rates.

Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

Paperwork.

How do you see your company developing over the next five years?

I see the clinic continuing to grow, firmly establishing itself as a centre of excellence in managing musculo-skeletal pain.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

When working with people in pain, there is a point in the treatment where the tide turns, and the pain, tension and stiffness begin to recede. It is really satisfying to be part of that process and it’s the reason I do what I do.

How much do you use social media and how effective is it?

We have used Groupon, which has been good for introducing us to a range of new patients.

I have a YouTube video introduction on my website, but I have not used Facebook or Twitter yet.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

I am in favour of doing what you can, when you can. For example, we use eco-friendly couch roll.

What do you do to motivate your workforce?

Providing clear time frames for achieving realistic goals is a good motivator.

Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

Golf — there is something very satisfying about whacking a small white ball up and down a field.

What would you like to do when you retire?

It would be great to do more travelling but at a pace that allows time to soak up the local culture.

Name: Jamie Dearing
Age: 43
Job: Osteopath at Central Oxford Osteopathy
Time in job: Seven years
Contact: 01865 236353
Web:  www.CentralOxfordOsteo.co.uk