New Appointment: Natalia Maya-Bareham

Meet Natalia Maya-Bareham. Natalia will be strengthening our team from the 1st of August.

She can tell you a thing or two on how to create the perfect cup of coffee! I dare anyone to persuade her to start drinking tea!

Natalia has a very interesting history indeed, coming from Colombia.

She has worked as a volunteer with the Red Cross in Colombia, won an International Scholarship to study abroad and worked as a Rehabilitation and Mental Health Support worker in Bournemouth for the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am originally from Colombia (the coffee region). Spanish is my first language, I am happily married and of course, I am a lover of coffee.

Prior to studying for my Chiropractic degree, I was a volunteer with the emergency services (Red Cross – Colombia) providing humanitarian assistance to displaced populations and vulnerable people while doing my degree in Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and researching about Public Health and high performance.

My first experience of chiropractic was during a seminar on high performance organised by the Colombian Olympic Committee.

I was fascinated by their work with the Olympians and footballers and I was surprised by the demand for these services in countries like Canada and Australia.

When I found out that chiropractors also work with families and babies, I was convinced that I wanted to become a chiropractor.

After working on a big project on Parkinson’s disease, I was awarded an International Scholarship to study abroad and my journey in the UK began.

While doing my full-time chiropractic studies at AECC University College in Bournemouth, I had the opportunity to work for Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust as a Rehabilitation and Mental Health Support Worker at weekends.

This experience allowed me to work within a multidisciplinary team helping create a therapeutic environment.

I assisted in planning, delivering and evaluating programmes of care and rehabilitation within hospital or community settings.

These programmes were instigated within units ranging from perinatal to eating disorders with patients of all ages.

What made you choose to apply for a role with Milton Chiropractic?

Knowing Chiropractors Marcin and Josef from University, I contacted them a year before applying to Milton Chiropractic.

I was impressed by their comments about the staff and the great satisfaction in their workplace.

They told me about the high levels of commitment of the whole team to deliver the best quality service to their patients while supporting their continuing professional development on the most effective treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.

I visited the clinic at the beginning of this year and it exceeded all my expectations.

What do you know about Cambridge?

When I visited Cambridge in 2014, I was delighted by its rich history, incredible buildings and green landscapes all across the city.

I saw that the development of the high-tech industry and having one of the top Universities in the world gave Cambridge the cosmopolitan atmosphere and contemporary culture that are absolutely awe-inspiring to live within.

The mix between modern and historic captivated me.

What are you looking forward to most about working at the clinic?

I am looking forward to being part of the team and its culture. I am committed to contributing my expertise in order to help the patients and to deliver the best service.

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?  How would you describe your style of patient care and your manner?

Because of my previous background, I use an integrated treatment approach.

I take the best tools of chiropractic, sports exercise, and physical and massage therapy to give the most effective care for my patients.

I like to work with families, pregnant mothers and babies, however, my keen interest in nutrition, sport and fitness allow me to enjoy treating all ranges of musculoskeletal conditions.

Every day is so different and I LOVE THAT.

What would you say are the most common complaints you see day-to-day?

During my clinical practice, I was expecting to see many patients experiencing lower back pain; however, headaches and neck pain were common particularly while treating nurses and clinicians through referrals from my work at the NHS.

What are the most challenging injuries or complaints to treat?

Shoulders and chronic conditions due to the fact that it will take considerably longer to get better, and more support is necessary for patients and relatives in overcoming highly emotional and challenging behaviours when dealing with chronic debilitating conditions.

You have been in chiropractic for some time, would you say that the industry has changed or the perception of it has changed in recent years? If so, how?

With ten years’ experience in the healthcare industry and three years working within the NHS, I’ve seen the increase in demand for specialists in musculoskeletal problems such as chiropractors. I have also witnessed how science and research have supported the positive effects of these treatments in all age groups.

What interests do you have away from work?

I love outdoor activities like running, going to the gym, yoga, dancing, travelling and listening to my husband play the piano.

Do you have any wacky Hobbies? 

I am a coffee barista maestro – “A perfect coffee is the best way to start the day”. One of the most important coffee parks in Colombia is just a few minutes’ walks from my mum’s house.