Our professionals

Our professional practice areas play key roles in providing patient care at St. Joseph's.

Professional practice leadership team

The team encompasses the professions of:

• Audiology
• Music therapy
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Radiology
• Registered dietitians
• Respiratory therapy
• Social work
• Speech-language pathology
• Spiritual care
• Therapeutic recreation

The professional practice leaders collaborate closely with the operational leaders in each program to develop and support an environment that facilitates and encourages each of their respective professions to demonstrate accountability for their own practice.

Additionally, they seek to ensure the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, programs and services that are evidence-based and consistent with professional standards and values.

Clinical Extern Program

The Clinical Extern Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s), funded by the Ministry of Health, is designed to help hospitals attract and retain future health care professionals. It allows students to work in clinical areas as unregulated care providers, supporting care teams under the supervision of registered staff. This benefits both the organization - by helping meet staffing needs - and students, by offering valuable, hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

The clinical extern role serves as a meaningful transition between being a student and becoming a registered health care professional, such as a nurse, occupational therapist, or physiotherapist. Externs gain practical skills, build clinical knowledge, and grow in confidence - all while becoming familiar with the values, culture, and practices at St. Joseph's.  

What to expect

Clinical externs at St. Joseph’s receive comprehensive support, including orientation and ongoing education throughout the year. They assist with a variety of patient care activities and always work under the supervision of registered staff.

Benefits of being a clinical extern

• Specialized hands-on clinical experience with direct patient care.  
• Exposure to a variety of patient assessments and documentation practices.  
• Opportunities to collaborate as part of a health care team.  
• On-the-job learning to help prepare for future careers.  
• Regular check-ins with leadership for support in clinical, career and professional development.  
• Ongoing education, peer and mental health support, plus other benefits.  
• Skills fairs held twice a year to help you develop new skills and access additional learning opportunities.

Want to Learn More? If you have questions or would like more information about the Clinical Extern Program, please contact: @email.

My experience as a clinical extern in Specialized Geriatric Services and mental health at St. Joseph’s was incredibly rewarding. I was supported by an amazing team that made me feel welcome and valued from day one. The learning environment was hands-on and collaborative, which helped me build confidence in my clinical skills while deepening my understanding of compassionate, person-centered care. Being part of the extern program at St. Joseph’s wasn’t just about preparing for my future as a nurse at complex care. It was about becoming part of a community that truly lives its values.  
-Anu Augustine, RPN,  Complex Care Program, former clinical extern in nursing

I highly recommend the clinical extern program to students considering a career at St. Joseph’s. It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience while exploring how you might fit into the organization. As an extern, I was able to build connections, learn about the values and culture of St. Joseph’s, and develop my skills. When it came time to apply for my current role, it was a big advantage to already be part of the team as an internal candidate.
-Megan Dennis Sabirsh, Physiotherapist, Specialized Geriatric Services, former clinical extern

The Occupational Therapy Clinical Extern Program offered a valuable opportunity to collaborate with teams and deepen my understanding regarding the role of occupational therapy in a rehabilitative setting. Within this position, I worked closely with occupational therapists to help facilitate patient treatment plans and support day-to-day interventions. This experience allowed me to further my knowledge regarding the importance of each discipline and provided me with the opportunity to learn from a variety of perspectives.  
-Jayden Zakaria, Occupational Therapist, Specialized Geriatric Services, former clinical extern

Frequently Asked Questions