Q&A with Steph Rutkowski, Physiotherapist
We sit down with Stephanie Rutkowski, a Physiotherapist from our Sydney team to find out more about her role, and how she got started in the industry.
Stephanie Rutkowski is a Physiotherapist and initially joined KINNECT as a new graduate.
How did you get started at KINNECT?
I started as a new grad Physio at KINNECT in 2014 and joined the clinic in Gladstone. After two degrees I had massive student loans and was really keen to get settled in a regional area and start working.
Initially, I was solely treating musculoskeletal injuries and providing some onside Physiotherapy services for various worksites. Some personal reasons contributed to me moving from Gladstone and then moving interstate, but I rejoined KINNECT when they opened their first office in New South Wales. For me, it was perfect as coincided with a shift to providing Occupational Rehab as I had started to find the hands-on Physiotherapy work very physical and very demanding. And that’s where I still am today!
Tell us one of your Career Highlights?
Well there are plenty but the FIFO work I’ve done at KINNECT has taken me to some pretty cool places. I’ve worked at the Detention Centre in Nauru, Gold Mines in WA and Coal Mines in QLD and NSW. These opportunities have suited the little traveller in me. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach Pilates classes with different employers.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It’s pretty varied: I do some onsite work, some clinical work and often find myself working from home at the moment which is really cool.
What do you like most about working at KINNECT?
For me it’s the flexible rosters, varied work environments and lots of opportunities to grow and develop your skills.
What would you tell others looking for a career in Workplace Rehabilitation?
Starting out as a Physio, I aspired to work with sports people and thought this would be very glamorous. However, I found it was just too physical for me and I was beginning to resent that. In Occ Rehab I’ve found the perfect compromise. You still very much get to educate, help and empower clients, and it’s hands-on without being so hands-on. You get to witness the biomechanics/ ergonomics that may be causing the persons pain and that can help so much more than a massage. I also find the preventative nature of what we do really interesting as I like tackling those bigger level challenges.
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