Remote working for many industries has normalised since COVID-19, with the largest global social experiment conducted with success, many companies have kept their decision to remain remote-first. Unsurprisingly, the healthcare industry was a different story.
Fortunately, digital health models emerged from this period and now have unlocked a diverse range of ways that clinicians are able to interact with their patients. At Eucalyptus, our clinical workforce model drives this new way that allows clinicians to practice at the top of their scope, whilst also allowing them to have balance outside of work.
A few years on, we believe that a global clinical workforce creates new opportunities in healthcare.
How does a global clinical workforce look like in reality?
At Eucalyptus, we support our patients globally through our multi-disciplinary care team, some of whom work remotely. This is to ensure we are providing high-quality support for patients in other countries to improve accessibility. Within this team are highly trained dietitians in South Africa who always work under a team of qualified, locally registered clinicians who provide direct patient care.
Every day, our team of health coaches support hundreds of patients through the Juniper app – supporting, educating and encouraging them along each step of their journey. This means taking a tailored approach for each individual, allowing them to enjoy the flexibility of the program and health coaching that works with their unique needs. Having a global clinical workforce also allows us to support patients across multiple time zones, ensuring we are there for them when they need us most.
Operationally, our team of clinicians collaborate every day through regular synchronous and asynchronous communication, via meetings, regular daily stand-ups, and regular 1:1’s with our health coach leads – to allow them to deliver the highest standard of care possible to all of our Juniper patients.
Here's a day in a life of two of our health coaches supporting patients everyday with their nutrition and lifestyle behaviours:
Claire, Health Coach & Dietitian
I’m Claire, a dietitian and health coach living in Mossel Bay, South Africa. This is my second role in health tech, and I’ve really come to appreciate the remote work lifestyle.
I start my day by logging on at 5 AM, and one of the perks of this early routine is catching a beautiful sunrise! For the first two hours of the day, I focus on my patient inbox and attend team meetings on certain days. Connecting with my colleagues across South Africa and Australia is always a highlight for me. During my break, I try to fit in a walk or a run, whether outside or on the treadmill, and I often tackle some house chores or prep dinner.
After that, I dive into the day’s other priorities. Health tech moves quickly, and there’s always something new that we as health coaches are driving forward. That’s one of the things I love most about working at Euc—there’s a strong commitment to continuous improvement and providing the best experience for our patients. As my work day wraps up, I shift back to patient-facing work.
I finish my work day at 2 PM and then head out for the school run. I have two kids, so having my afternoons free to focus on being a mother is invaluable. I can give them my full attention, drive them to their extracurriculars, help with homework, and just enjoy spending time with them. Working at Euc has been a fantastic experience, allowing me to achieve the work-life balance I’ve always wanted.
Connor, Dietitian & Human Movement Scientist
Working as an online health coach for clinical company has its unique rhythm and rewards. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day looks like for me.
My day starts early with a cup of coffee, a ritual that helps me wake up and prepare for the day ahead. I follow this with a 30-minute workout, which not only keeps me fit but also energises me for the tasks ahead. After my workout, I enjoy a healthy breakfast, often a protein smoothie packed with fruits and greens, setting a positive tone for the day.
By 5AM, I’m at my desk, ready to start my work day. My mornings are usually filled with back-to-back messages with patients and some meetings. Each conversation is unique, as I help individuals navigate their weight loss journeys, offering personalised advice and support. I find immense satisfaction in these interactions, knowing that I’m playing a key part in their transformation.
Around noon, I take a well-deserved hour-long lunch break. This is my time to unwind and recharge. I love playing ball with my dogs in the backyard, enjoying the fresh air and their boundless energy. Afterward, I have a nutritious lunch, often a salad with lean protein, which keeps me fuelled for the rest of the day.
The afternoon is a mix of follow-up messages, building meal plans, and responding to patient queries. I also spend time researching the latest in nutrition science to ensure my advice is always up-to-date and evidence-based.
One of my favourite aspects of this job is the constant contact with my patients. Seeing them transform their lives, gaining confidence and health, is incredibly rewarding. The virtual format allows for frequent check-ins, making it easier to track progress and make necessary adjustments.
By the end of the day, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Working from home offers flexibility, but it’s the impact I have on my patients’ lives that truly makes this job fulfilling.
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