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Ruth Cooil
Mentor

Ruth Cooil

"Don't be scared to put yourself out there." Ruth Cooil, Physiotherapist.

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Hi, I’m Ruth!

Here are a few facts about me and also my video about why I’m so passionate about inspiring and empowering people just like you to explore opportunities in STEM…

My career specialism:

Physiotherapy.

My current role:

Business Owner of Ruth Cooil Physiotherapy Ltd.

When not STEM-ing you can find me…

Travelling, supporting and encouraging my children, cycling and doing Dance Fit.

3 fun fact about me and my industry:

  1. I have travelled to 17 different countries physio-ing for sports teams as far a field as Australia and the Caribbean.
  2. I broke my back when I was 13 (doing the high jump!). This cemented the fact I wanted to be a physio.
  3. Some physio treatments date back to 460 BC! For example, massage, hydrotherapy and manual therapy (Hippocrates).

My career path:

I always loved learning about the body ever since I was given a really old anatomy book and I was challenged to learn all the names of the bones!

When I was younger, I also did gymnastics – which made me realise even more how amazing the body is.

Unfortunately, I broke my back doing the high jump when I was 13 which meant I then had an insight into the world of Physiotherapy.

I decided very early that Physio was the career for me and after doing my GCSEs I had the crazy idea to do Chemistry, Physics and biology A level!!!

All didn’t go quite to plan on results day but after pestering Sheffield Hallam Uni I headed off to do a BSC (Hons degree) in Physiotherapy.

The great thing about Physio is it covers so many different areas so the training is really interesting and you never get bored. I decided to specialize in Orthopaedics, Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy.

I did, however, love Neurology and worked full time in intensive care when I moved back to the Island.

Physiotherapy is always changing – with new treatment techniques being developed and new research completed to guide how we manage a patient. Going into Physio therefore means you are continually learning and it keeps you on your toes.

In addition to this, there are lots of post graduate courses – I chose to complete my Masters in Orthopaedic Medicine (which included being able to carry out steroid injections).

As for career, the majority of mine has been working in the NHS (27 years) alongside lots of work in sport, including being IOM Physio for 5 Commonwealth Games (which is such an amazing experience!).

Three years ago I set up the business,rRunning my own business is a new and exciting challenge – I am even having to drag out my GCSE maths skills to do my accounts!