Osteopathy: An overlooked healthcare profession – why it deserves a closer look

Musculoskeletal conditions are one of the leading causes of pain, disability and time away from work in the UK, yet osteopathy is still an overlooked healthcare profession. With demand for hands‑on, person‑centred healthcare continuing to grow, this webinar takes a closer look at why osteopathy remains a relevant and attractive career option and why it is increasingly appealing to both school leavers and career‑changers.

Led by registered osteopaths currently working in practice, this session offers a practical, real‑world perspective on what the profession actually looks like day to day. In sixty focused minutes, we’ll explore what osteopaths do, where they work, and how osteopathy fits into modern healthcare. We’ll unpack the routes into the profession, including degree programmes and apprenticeships, and discuss the working environments available after qualification from private practice and multidisciplinary clinics to sport and community settings. The session will also look at employment patterns, the strong demand for osteopaths in private practice, and why the profession continues to offer high employment potential.

With its emphasis on hands‑on clinical skills, judgement, communication and relationship‑based care, osteopathy also offers something increasingly valued in a changing labour market: work that cannot be easily automated. While technology plays an important supporting role, osteopathic practice remains firmly centred on human expertise and trust. Supported by practitioner insights and case examples, this webinar will equip those involved in career decision‑making with the knowledge and confidence to include osteopathy meaningfully and accurately in conversations about future healthcare careers.

Learning outcomes:
•    A clear understanding of osteopathy’s role in modern healthcare
•    Insight from registered osteopaths about working life and career progression
•    Up‑to‑date knowledge of training routes, including apprenticeships
•    Greater confidence discussing osteopathy as a viable, in‑demand career option

Speakers:

Daniel Collis – Osteopath and iO President

Daniel was elected to Council in 2020, since which he has led on student liaison, chairing the iO Student Committee. He has been instrumental in setting up the iO’s Better Business Group, which seeks to expand opportunities for private practice clinic owners. Daniel brings a unique perspective, proven track record and relentless work ethic to Council. He was voted by Council as Vice President in October 2022, before being elected as President in November 2024.

Daniel graduated top of his year from the European School of Osteopathy where he was also head of the Student Union and worked to increase collaboration between the various Osteopathic colleges. Additionally, he is a serving member of the Army Reserves where he has excelled in various leadership and military training. He is the Principal of the Vantage Clinic in Cambridge.

Annie Porter
Annie Porter is an award-winning Osteopath, NLP Trainer and Business Mentor, passionate about the impact and potential of the osteopathy profession. Through her clinical work, she has seen first-hand how powerful osteopathy can be in helping people overcome pain, restore function and reconnect with their bodies.

Alongside running her clinic in Hertfordshire, Annie supports practitioners to expand their skills, confidence and career opportunities. She continues to advocate for osteopathy as a profession that blends clinical excellence, root-cause medicine and long-term transformation, and is committed to inspiring the next generation to see what is truly possible within this field.

This session supports the following CPD competency:

•    Career Development Practice