The Exercise & Sports Science Awards recognise outstanding accredited professionals who demonstrate a depth of knowledge and commitment to exercise and sports science through their practice and advocacy.
Practicum Supervisor of the Year recognises outstanding student practicum supervisors across the exercise science, clinical exercise physiology and sports science settings. The award is made to supervisors who demonstrate through their supervision of students, a practicum experience that has made a major contribution to the development of the student’s applied knowledge, practical skills, and professionalism.
Congratulations to the 2023 Practicum Supervisor of the Year: Kirsten Russell!
Growing up in western Queensland, Kirsten Russell witnessed the stark disparities in healthcare access. This experience ignited a lifelong mission to bring equitable healthcare to rural regions.
As the pioneering clinical lead at the Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MCRRH) at James Cook University (JCU) in Mount Isa, Kirsten been awarded ESSA's 2023 Practicum Supervisor of the Year.
This prestigious accolade recognises Kirsten’s relentless commitment to developing healthcare careers in rural and remote communities, crafting impactful practicum placements in substance-use recovery, youth diversion initiatives, and geriatric falls prevention.
In her role, Kirsten serves as the cornerstone for Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science students, guiding them through immersive rural placements.
Collaborating with key community stakeholders—such as Mount Isa Recovery Services, Cootharinga, Police Citizen Youth Club, North West Remote Health, Gidgee Healing, and North West Health Hospital Service—Kirsten ensures students deliver essential services where local resources are stretched thin.
This hands-on approach equips students with critical skills and simultaneously addresses pressing community health needs.
Facing numerous challenges, including limited awareness of the profession and the cultural adjustments required for students in remote settings, Kirsten continues to provide comprehensive support, acting as both a clinical supervisor and a cultural mentor, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the unique demands of rural healthcare.
Kirsten’s advocacy goes beyond clinical practice, redefining exercise as an inclusive, holistic activity accessible to all, promoting physical and mental well-being. By integrating students into the heart of community healthcare, Kirsten creates a sustainable model where former students often return to serve in these communities, bridging critical workforce gaps.
Kirsten’s unwavering dedication and innovative approach are transforming rural healthcare, empowering communities, and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her work not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also ensures a legacy of improved health outcomes for rural and remote communities.