HARNESSING THE SKILLSET AND AVAILABILITY OF THE NATION’S EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS AND SCIENTISTS
With
Katie Lyndon, Accredited Exercise Physiologist & CEO
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Canberra | March 2026
Katie Lyndon MBA, BAppSci, ESSAF, FACHSM, CHE, AEP, AES, GAICD, CHIA, is an allied health professional and executive leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning executive leadership, delivery of strategic programs across the health system and clinical care. Beginning her career as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Katie has held senior roles across Queensland Health, Hospital and Health Services, Deloitte health advisory consulting, Queensland Treasury Corporation, and private practice.
As CEO of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), Katie brings a unique blend of frontline experience and strategic vision to advance the profession and advocate for evidence-based exercise in preventive health and chronic disease management. Her long-standing commitment to ESSA includes serving as Board Vice President, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Standards Council member and ESSA Fellow.
Katie is recognised for creating high-performing, values-driven teams and leading innovative health service models.
Source: Supplied
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Pharmacist Prescribing Model gets further support from state health
A full scope pharmacist prescriber model allows pharmacists to independently prescribe medicines within their professional competence, without requiring prior doctor authorisation. It extends pharmacists’ role beyond dispensing to include assessment, diagnosis of minor and chronic conditions, initiation and modification of therapy, and ongoing patient monitoring. This model integrates pharmacists into primary care teams, aiming to improve timely access to treatment, reduce pressure on general practitioners, and enhance continuity of care. Pharmacists use their clinical knowledge, patient records, and collaborative pathways to ensure safe prescribing. The model emphasises training, regulation, and accountability to maintain high standards of patient safety.
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Student nurse placements in primary health care
With an urgent need to manage increasing rates of chronic disease, an ageing population, and a rapidly-ageing primary health care nurse workforce, Australia desperately needs more primary health care nurses to enter the workforce before the current generation retires and cannot pass on its skills.
Most nurses start their career in a hospital. Historically, it was difficult for universities and tertiary education providers to arrange placements for student nurses in primary health care. However, the APNA Student Nurse Placement Program provides student nurses with a foot in the door to a career in vibrant primary health care settings such as general practice or community health to perform supervised activities.
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WA and QLD RSV Immunisation programs show drops in infant hospitalisations
RSV is the number one cause of hospitalisation of Australian children under five years of age, according to the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA). There are mounting concerns that Australians at greatest risk of severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV will miss out on protection against the lung infection, with the Federal Government failing to commit to a national RSV immunisation program.
