Rugby’s Reckoning: Brain Trauma and the Fight for Player Safety with Professor Bill Ribbans | E106
Apr 07, 2025
In this episode, Dr.Ruth interviews Professor Bill Ribbans, a leading trauma and orthopaedic surgeon with a rich background in elite sports medicine. Bill shares his journey into medicine and the unique path that led him to working with top athletes. They discuss the challenges of treating sports injuries and the evolving nature of medical support in high-performance environments. Bill also recalls key moments from his career, including high-pressure situations with Olympic-level athletes.
The conversation touches on the emotional and psychological impact of injuries on athletes. Bill emphasizes the importance of resilience and a strong support network in recovery. Ruth guides the discussion toward the deeper issues surrounding fame, pressure, and identity in sports. The episode ends with reflections on the future of sports medicine and the humanity behind every athlete's story.
DIscussed in the episode:
- 02:36 Dr.Ruth introduces Professor Bill Ribbans and his medical background
- 04:07 How Bill entered sports medicine from orthopaedics
- 06:50 Early athlete work and the rising pressure around injury management
- 10:00 The emotional and psychological cost of injury for athletes
- 12:30 How identity is tied to performance in elite sport
- 15:00 Evolving recovery techniques and changing medical standards
- 17:45 Navigating ethical dilemmas in elite environments
- 19:12 Saying “no” in high-pressure medical situations
- 22:34 Concussion, head trauma, and rugby’s delayed response
- 26:40 Managing treatment for high-profile athletes under public gaze
- 30:00 Stories of athletes competing while injured
- 32:20 The human side of elite performance and recovery
- 35:00 Building deep trust with athletes over time
- 39:40 Treating the whole person, not just the injury
- 43:00 Why Bill wrote his book and the value of storytelling
- 45:00 Memorable cases that stayed with him emotionally
- 47:20 Holding systems accountable for athlete safety
- 50:00 Institutional inertia and resistance to change
- 52:10 Personal reflections on difficult career decisions
- 56:00 Advocating for long-term athlete wellbeing
- 1:00:00 Mentorship and shaping the next generation of doctors
- 1:03:00 Compassion, resilience, and values in practice
- 1:07:00 Final thoughts and gratitude from Dr.Ruth and Professor Bill.
Connect with Professor Bill Ribbans:
- Website: https://billribbans.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bill_ribbans/
- Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-ribbans-86b0aa268
Connect with Dr Ruth Allan:
- Book a call to discuss your needs
- Unchain your pain from a trauma or unpleasant experience FAST through 1-1 trauma recovery coaching with Dr Ruth Allan. First session guaranteed
Learn about the Wellbeing Warrior Academy and how we can support you, your family and your organisation in taking charge of, and optimising your brain and whole body health to live a healthier, happier life.
Related episodes, books, topics and events:
- E10 Decluttering your brain with Fallon Jordan
- E49 TBI Help NOW with Dr Mark Gordon MD
- E75 How to Amplify Your Redox Signalling Pathways in Your Body and Mind to Support Recovery with Jamie Thomson
- E92 Concussed: Sport's Uncomfortable Truth with Sam Peters
- E100 How my Amen Clinic SPECT scan inspired courses to optimise health at the Wellbeing Warrior Academy
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute, or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always seek the advice of your general practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
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