Knife in the fast lane - Bill Ribbans sports surgeon to the stars

Over his 40-year career Prof Bill Ribbans has operated on some of the world's best-known sports stars in his capacity as a top sports surgeon.  A friend and mentor for many years to Prof Mackay, it was brilliant to welcome him to the Surgical Goals podcast. Bill has recently encapsulated his 40 years of experience in a must-read book - Knife in the Fast Lane. Part autobiography, part commentary, and full of amazing anecdotes Bill explains that as well as looking back over his career it also looks into the future of sports medicine without shying away from some of the legal minefields and ethical controversies that arise in today's professional atmosphere.

From the age of 3 when Bill found himself a regular in the press-box with his sports journalist Dad he has loved sport. He himself played rugby at county level and still loves the game while being an advocate now for change to halt the increasing number of players being diagnosed with early-onset dementia.

We wish we had had more time with Bill as he has so many incredible stories but we managed to catch up with him while he was on a flying visit to Scotland. 

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Chapters

• 1:21 Bill & evolution of sports medicine
• 2:20 Liverpool FC before the days of physios
• 3:01 Brian Clough wanted an assistant!
• 3:59 When did attitudes to sports med change
• 5:04 Where Bill got his love of sport
• 5:47 Love of rugby
• 6:41 Rugby evolved & sports med adapted to keep up
• 7:17 Book looked at seriousness of head injuries in sport
• 8:04 Joins Progressive Rugby - group aimed at looking at concussion in rugby
• 12:08 Knife in the fast lane - the book
• 13:28 Looking at Modern Manager's role in football
• 15:11 Sports medicine and elite sport - today's conundrums
• 18:28 Is sports medicine in a good place?
• 20:57 Still a sports fan
• 22:15 Avoiding injury - any advice?