Zoe's Profile
Job title
Lecturer
Academic qualifications
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
"I specialise in respiratory physiotherapy, gaining most of my experience at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The most challenging and transformative period of my career came during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I had the responsibility of leading a proning team."
I specialise in respiratory physiotherapy, with particular expertise in both critical care and palliative care. I’m a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and currently teach on UCB’s Physiotherapy course, bringing a decade of clinical experience directly into the classroom.
Much of my formative experience was gained at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London, where I spent five years completing rotations through specialist Intensive Care Unit (ICU) settings, notably including major trauma and neurosurgery. The most challenging and transformative period of my career came during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I had the responsibility of leading a proning team. Our team worked day and night, and this was an experience that tested and cemented my commitment to effective teamwork and compassionate patient care.
After leaving London, I joined Marie Curie in Solihull, where I had the privilege of supporting patients both in the community and within the hospice. Working with individuals and families at some of their most vulnerable moments taught me the deep impact that physiotherapy can have beyond traditional rehabilitation settings; it cemented my belief in the pôwer of holistic, person-centred care. Throughout my clinical years, I regularly supervised physiotherapy students on placement, guiding them through the realities of practice. This ongoing mentorship has given me a clear perspective on what students need to thrive as both students and future Physiotherapy professionals.
My transition into academia was a natural evolution, driven by my love of helping people to develop and grow. I always integrate real-world insights into my teaching, using examples from my extensive and varied clinical background to bring complex concepts to life. I bring high energy and empathy to my teaching, aiming to make my sessions as engaging as possible. My own professional journey saw me working for four different employers, so I can also pass on honest and practical advice to my students in terms of what to look for in a workplace.
A misconception that many people hold about our industry is that it’s just about mending knees and shoulders. It’s a diverse field full of unexpected specialities, as my own career path demonstrates.
Outside of work, I’m learning Spanish lessons, and running on a regular basis - I completed the Birmingham half marathon! I’m also a huge fan of video games.