This research explores the experiences of allied health clinicians caring for complex patients within the public hospital system in Australia. The study employs complex adaptive phenomenology in its analysis of experience. Findings inform the relationship extant between a complexly layered environment of clinical practice (within and external to health care settings) and the meaning and purpose experienced by allied health practitioners in these contexts. Findings furthermore illuminate the close relationship of clinician experience and health system performance, to suggest that optimising clinician experience is a necessary ongoing consideration in healthcare management and policy.