I have extensive experience enhancing student learning through work-integrated learning. I designed and implemented the Exercise Clinic for People with Cancer and provided Clinic leadership for over 10 years. This Clinic was essential for the work-integrated learning and accreditation of Clinical Exercise Physiology students, and development of strong community relationships with the Cancer Council Queensland and its support groups. I was awarded a competitive a grant to evaluate the Clinic; results demonstrated (i) high student engagement and perceived value of the clinic, (ii) enhanced students’ individual learning processes, (iii) achievement of learning outcomes, (iv) feasibility of the clinic, and (v) health benefits to the clients. Outcomes of this research-led approach were subsequently published in a peer-reviewed journal.

I completed a re-evaluation of the Clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic closures when I quickly transitioned the Clinic to delivery via a telehealth model. Most students (95%) described the telehealth clinic as a valuable learning opportunity, with student communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills enhanced to a greater extent with telehealth compared to the in-person clinic. In contrast, student’s ability to build rapport and correct technique were superior during the in-person clinic. In subsequent years, I implemented a hybrid model; two other courses subsequently replicated this clinic model within their courses. I’m most proud that this clinic has motivated several graduates to implement their own community exercise oncology programs, subsequently improving the lives of hundreds, if not thousands more people with cancer.