Description

          

The University of Cumbria Physiotherapy Society

 

Welcome to our page!

 

Our aim:

As a society committee made up entirely of physiotherapy students, we aim to support you as best we can as fellow physio students. To do this, we work together to organise events that complement your physiotherapy degree both academically and socially. We aim for these events to include guest speakers, trips to physio-related events and exhibitions, regular socials and group activities, and extra in-service training and workshops.

 

Membership:

By becoming a member of our society you will gain:

• Talks from a variety of professionals within the industry,
• Access to the society buddy system, perfect for making those all-important connections,
• Society kit and merchandise from sporting brand Kukri, 
• The chance to join in the fun at all of our social events, 
• New friendships, lifelong skills, and the best memories! 

 

Surely you don't want to miss out on all of that.

Our £15 membership ensures you won't and covers you for the full academic year. 

 

Why be a part of the Physiotherapy Society?

Getting involved with the events held by the society is a great way to…

• meet the students in your cohort outside of lecture time and get to know each other better,
• meet fellow physio students in other years – this can form a really helpful support network for sharing experiences and advice,
• learn more about the different areas of physiotherapy by attending talks by guest speakers,
• learn new skills and develop existing ones,
• build confidence,
• meet new people and make friends,
• support and complement your learning,
• engage with the wider physiotherapy profession and community,
• provide and gain support to and from other fellow physio students.

 

Upcoming Courses (CPD):

Sports Massage Course - (Date: TBC)

Sports Taping Course - (Date: TBC)

Student Pilates Courses 

Soft Tissue Management 

Talks on Bariatrics, Respiratory, Neonatal and Sports 

If you wish to attend any of these above courses, please keep an eye out for an email being sent directly to you with more information!

 

Upcoming Socials:

-Candian Thanksgiving (13/10/25)

-GAME - ON Bowling night 

-Sports Day - (TBC)

 

 

Where can you find us?

Make sure you follow us on social media for all updates and announcements!

Instagram: @uocphysio

Twitter: @UoC_Physio

Feel free to contact us via social media, or alternatively, you can get in touch via email: s2302766@uni.cumbria.ac.uk. If you have any questions, queries, concerns, or suggestions  – we’d love to hear from you and we’ll always do our best to answer any questions to help and support you.

 

So, welcome to the Physiotherapy Society here at The University of Cumbria. Join today and be a part of something bigger.

We look forward to welcoming you to your course and to the society! 

 

Who currently runs the Physiotherapy Society?

Our Physiotherapy Society is currently run by a mix of second and third-year physiotherapy students.

Meet our team below, and feel free to get in touch with any of us anytime!

Bruckman Elliott

President @S2302766uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi, I’m Bruckman, the President of the physiotherapy society and a third-year physiotherapy student. Sport has always been a big part of my life - turning my hand to most sports but mainly football and rugby, and I also train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My experiences in sport have given me a real appreciation for physiotherapy and the vital role it plays in both recovery and performance, alongside the desire I've always had to help people. 

As your society president, I want to ensure that the society becomes a place where everyone feels involved, and that they can bring ideas to the table that me and the other members of the society can bring to life. The main aim for me is to be proactive in planning and seeing ideas come to fruition. In previous years, the society might not have been as active as we'd have liked, so I want to change that. From social events and sporting activities to study groups and support networks, I want the society to be a reliable place for everyone. 

I was born and raised in Carlisle, so if you’re new to the city and need tips on things to do or places to explore, feel free to reach out. 

I’m excited to connect with you all and help make the most of our time in the society!

 

Tom Bottomley

Secretary - @S404641@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi everyone, I'm Tom, a second-year BSc Physiotherapy student. Before attending the University of Cumbria, I took a gap year to decide what I wanted to do with my future, finally settling on Physiotherapy. One factor that influenced my decision is the high demand for physios world wide, giving me opportunities to travel once I graduate,

Having played rugby from a young age I have a good appreciation for the solid work a good physio can do. I also enjoy watching cricket and body surfing during the summer time. Outside of a sporting environment I enjoy play video games, listening to all kinds of music and painting miniatures.

This year, I will be acting as the Secretary for the Physiotherapy Society, where I will be organising events, receiving and distributing ideas as well as contacting places for us to visit. If you have any ideas, please reach out!

 

Adam Turgeon

Treasurer – S2409764@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi, my name is Adam Turgeon, and I am a second-year BSc Physiotherapy student from Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Before attending the University of Cumbria, I studied at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota on a baseball scholarship. However, due to injury, I decided to transfer to the University of Cumbria to fast-track my route to becoming a physiotherapist. 

A major influence on my decision to pursue physiotherapy was my baseball career. Whether it was through weightlifting, practicing the sport’s specific body movements, or rehabbing from my own injuries, I came to realize that physiotherapy is a profession I would not only enjoy but also find deeply fulfilling, as it allows me to help people improve their quality of life—whether that means returning to sport or being able to carry out daily activities without pain. 

Outside of physiotherapy, I enjoy playing baseball, weightlifting, video games, movies, music, nature, and spending time with my family and friends back home. I also love exploring new places and hope to travel more in the future. Although I know that is not a very specific list of the things that I enjoy, I really try to find joy in anything and everything, because why wouldn’t I? 

This year, I will be serving as Treasurer for the Physiotherapy Society, where I will be responsible for managing the society’s finances, overseeing budgets, keeping accurate records, and supporting the committee in planning events and activities. 

 

Mitri Elias

Learning and development officer – S2401421@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi! My name is Mitri Elias, I am a second year Msc Physiotherapy student. I'm from Toronto, Canada and of Lebanese descent. I am largely interested in MSK, sports rehab and neuro. I initially did not have any major interests in physiotherapy but through an injury and large amounts of evidence based rehabilitation I was able to help myself and really see the benefits of rehabilitation. This kickstarted my appreciation for physiotherapy and my hunger to help others the way I was able to help myself. Of course this requires me to take the proper steps to educate myself which is how I ended up a UoC and I haven't regretted my decision since I accepted my offer. I have a background in biology and while many consider that a disadvantage, I think of it as the opposite as I can analyze and understand anatomy and physiology on both a macro and micro scale. 

I love playing and watching volleyball, basketball and Olympic weightlifting. I love training heavy and I am looking to hopefully do some strongman competitions this year.

 

Anton Anderson

International liaison – s303001@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

I’m Anton and I am a third-year student this year at the UOC studying a BSc in physiotherapy. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, going to the gym, and following golf and football. My interest in physiotherapy stemmed from my time in the British Army, where I spent 7 years as a soldier. After active tours of Afghanistan, I saw the amazing rehabilitation of soldiers from life-changing injuries. This, along with a love of fitness, led me to want to pursue a career in physiotherapy. I am the international liaison, and I’m also the student representative for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). My role will be looking for speakers to come speak to members of the physio society, and I will also help direct your questions and set up the meetings.

 

Lucy Fielden

Social media – s2402926@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi I’m Lucy, a second year BSc physiotherapy student. Before I came to the university of Cumbria, I studied a t-level in healthcare science at Burnley College. It was there where I was able to go on placement with physiotherapists in multiple different areas to gain some vital experience. It was then from this that I fell in loved with physio and rehabilitation. I would have to say I enjoy respiratory physiotherapy as the results from the patients are almost instantaneous and it feels highly rewarding. I enjoy learning all about the body and how everything works in coordination to each other.

In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my friends, reading and baking. When I go home from Uni I enjoy doing cheerleading with my 2 best friends. We have done this together for the last 8 years. We’re pretty good! Additionally I love music and you’ll always catch me with music playing or singing (even though I’m not very good).

This year, I have the role of social media officer. For this I will be updating the website and making posts on our society Instagram and TikTok page. In this posts, I will be keeping all students updated on any upcoming events, also I will be posting some fun, entertaining content too. Give us a follow @uocphysio!

I hope to meet lots of people this year as part of the society, so ensure you’re looking out for events! See you there!

 

Ashlynn Gilhula

Social Secretary - S2501338@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi, I‘m Ashlynn! I’m a first year MSc physiotherapy student. Before I came to Carlisle, I spent four years in the United States studying exercise science and was fortunate enough to be part of my university’s track and field team.  

Outside of physio, I love all things sports, especially hockey and volleyball. I also enjoy reading, pilates, the gym, hiking, and a good cup of coffee (please let me know of any recommendations!) 

I am thrilled to be one of your Social Secretaries for the Physio Society this year! I will be assisting in planning social and sporting events to make sure everyone can get involved, meet new people, and enjoy their time here! I am looking forward to a great year and don’t be afraid to say hi, I love to chat! 

 

Victoria Janes

Social secretary – S2510430@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi everyone! My name is Tori and I’m in my first year of the MSc Physiotherapy program. I recently moved here from Ontario, Canada where I grew up in a small beach town called Port Elgin. Growing up, my passion for sports sparked an interest in physiotherapy and in how exercise supports overall health and wellbeing. Over the past four years, I’ve worked in a rehabilitation clinic, as a physiotherapy assistant. These experiences have strengthened my passion for the profession, and I’m excited to build on my knowledge and start working with patients of my own. 

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, reading, and traveling — and I’m looking forward to exploring new places while I’m here in the UK. 

As an international student, joining the Physio Society is a big part of helping me feel connected and included, and I hope to help create that same welcoming environment for everyone else. I look forward to meeting everyone, sharing experiences, and making the most of this journey together 

 

Vallari Madkaikar

Social secretary – S2510646@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi everyone! My name is Val and I'm so excited to be one of your social officers this year. I'm a Canadian clinical kinesiology graduate and this is my first year of the MSc Physiotherapy program, so I'm quite literally freshly landed to the country, but definitely not the role! I used to be the head of orientation for the Faculty of Health Sciences back home and have always loved planning and executing fun socials so that students can feel connected and settled in their home away from home.  

I chose physiotherapy because it was the perfect amalgamation of my two great loves: anatomy and sports. My father, an avid reader, ensured that I grew up surrounded by children's anatomy and physiology books and it fascinated me to learn about how every little thing in our body works together to create a whole entire human life. I want to be able to share this joy of learning and healthy living with my patients, empowering them to make the best decision possible for themselves through patient education, as well as care tailored to their goals, needs and sociocultural influences. Overall, I want to create a safe space that inspires growth and creates joy within healthy active living for anyone I meet! 

Aside from that, exercise/sports are my other great love; —volleyball, flag football, tennis and track and field are my favourites, or you can always find me at the gym. I can't wait to meet all of you wonderful humans, you'll always find me with a digi cam in hand and a smile. I look forward to helping plan some exciting socials and make our years together a warm and welcoming experience! 

 

Eric Fung

Learning and development secretary – S2510193@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hello, I'm Eric.  

 I like to fan fires and my favourite form of potatoes is mashed. 

I'm a first year MsC student from Canada with a background in engineering. Climbing, yoga, and jiu jitsu are some of the things I enjoy doing.  

Chronic pain and yoga were what first made me think of doing something movement-related. Hopefully part of my education would be helpful in healing my old man body. 

I'll be helping with setting up speaker events. 

 

Mackenzie Connor

1^st year msc year rep – S2408449@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi everyone, my name is Mackenzie! I am currently in my first year of the MSc Physiotherapy program. I graduated from York University in Toronto, Ontario with a BSc in Kinesiology and a certificate in Athletic Therapy. Over the past year, I have been working in a physiotherapy clinic as an athletic therapist, helping athletes and the general population stay healthy and recover from injuries. 

I grew up playing a mix of sports but spent the last few years dedicated to cheerleading during my time at university. I was lucky enough to be part of the York University cheer team for five years, including working as a member on the executive team. It was an amazing experience that taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and dedication. 

I’m excited to keep learning and growing in this field, and I’m always looking for new ways to help people move and feel better! 

 

Ceilidh Kim

1^st year MSc rep – S2501183@uni.cumbria.ac.uk

Hi everyone, my name is Ceilidh (pronounced ‘Kaylee’), and I’ll be one of the year reps for the first year MSc cohort! Before moving here to begin my masters, I attended the University of Western Ontario in Canada and obtained my degree in Kinesiology. As is with most of us I’m sure, I grew up playing a lot of sports, mostly basketball and volleyball, and I spent more time than I’m willing to admit in rehab clinics, which sparked my interest in physio! In my spare time I love hiking, snow sports, spending time with friends, and traveling! I am so excited to be part of the society this year and am looking forward to getting to know everyone!"