Paul Kemel

Position: Lecturer
Discipline: Physiotherapy
Location: Gippsland Campus, Room 4N-204 
Phone: (03) 5122 6123
Email: p.kemel@federation.edu.au

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy – Monash University – 2012
  • Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy – La Trobe University – 2017
  • Master of Sports Physiotherapy – La Trobe University – 2020
  • Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy – La Trobe University - 2020
  • Master of Health (Research Practice) – Federation University – 2022
  • Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education – Federation University – 2023

Teaching

Courses

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (PY5)
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) (PY8)

Units

  • Introduction to Physiotherapy (NHPPS1001)
  • Introduction to Physiotherapy Applications (NHPPS1002)
  • Complex Spine and Pain Presentations (NHPPS3115)

Biography

Paul is an APA Titled Musculoskeletal, Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist who has transitioned into the academic after a clinical career that spanned both private practice and elite sports settings. His wealth of experience in these domains has uniquely positioned him to contribute significantly as one of the inaugural team members to the overall design and delivery of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Federation University, where he currently holds the role of course coordinator. His transition to academia is marked by a dedication to shaping the education of future physiotherapists, ensuring that they become strong and competent physiotherapy practitioners that can provide quality care for the population of Gippsland. Paul is concurrently pursuing a PhD, focusing on the impact of sport participation on recovery following bushfire, aligning with his research narrative centered around adolescent health and wellbeing.

Areas of expertise

Paul has a strong clinical background in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, particularly in the management of the adolescent and developing athlete.

(1) Adolescent health and wellbeing

Paul has a strong interest in adolescent health and wellbeing, recognizing the pivotal role this developmental stage plays in shaping lifelong health outcomes. His previous research has explored the impact of physical, emotional, and social elements on the identity of adolescents, along with a focus on how they interact with their communities and the broader natural world. Within this realm, Paul is particularly intrigued by the interplay between various aspects that contribute to the holistic well-being of adolescents.

(2) Mental health

Paul's research extends into the various aspects that shape individuals' lifestyle choices. He has examined the interplay between physical and mental well-being, and regularly incorporates evidence-based practice to address mental health challenges of both student and general populations.

(3) Physical activity and sport participation

Drawing on his expertise in musculoskeletal, sports, and exercise physiotherapy, Paul's focus on physical activity and sport participation explores the intricate relationship between lifestyle choices and overall health.

Research interests

  • Adolescent health and wellbeing
  • Mental health
  • Physical activity and sport participation
  • Human development
  • Education

Supervision

Completed honours students

2024 - Abbey Turner (Federation University) – “Antenatal Factors Associated with Middle Childhood Motor Skill Development: A Prospective Cohort Study” – Associate Supervisor

2024 - Abigail Jettner (Federation University) – “Management of Musculoskeletal Pain in the Postpartum Population: A Clinical Guideline Review” – Associate Supervisor

2024 - Jack Beechey-Danvers (Federation University) – “Exploring Interprofessional Dynamics: Insights from Physiotherapists and Strength & Conditioning Coaches in Australian Football” – Associated Supervisor

Current honours students

Diana Mekhiel (Federation University) – “Neck, shoulder and back pain in postpartum women: towards evidence-based practice recommendations” – Associate Supervisor

Anna Trewhella (Federation University) – “Neck, shoulder and back pain in postpartum women: towards evidence-based practice recommendations” – Associate Supervisor

Connor Morgan (Federation University) – “Examination of psychosocial factors that are associated with adherence to (sport) injury rehabilitation” – Associate Supervisor

Alex Wenn (Federation University) – “A quantitative study on predictors of adherence to treatment in e-athletes” – Associate Supervisor

Brandy Alexander (Federation University) – “How do primary contact practitioners manage mental health presentations: a scoping review” – Primary Supervisor

Hayley Burgess (Federation University) – “A qualitative exploration on how primary contact physiotherapists in regional Australia manage mental health presentations” – Primary Supervisor

Chloe Smith (Federation University) – “Physical literacy design of sport and recreation spaces” – Associate Supervisor

Bianca Middlebrook (Federation University) - “Physical literacy design of sport and recreation spaces” – Associate Supervisor

Publications

Refereed journal articles

Kemel, P. N., Porter J. E. & Coombs, N. (2023). The benefit and limitations of an online physical activity program in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: A quantitative analysis of the virtual Latrobe Streetgames program. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.795

Kemel, P. N., Porter, J. E., & Coombs, N. (2023). The Potential Barriers and Benefits of an Online Physical Activity Program during the COVID-19 Restrictions: Latrobe Virtual Streetgames. A Qualitative Study. American Journal of Health Education, 54(1), 29–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2022.2142338

Kemel, P. N., Porter, J. E., & Coombs, N. (2022). Improving youth physical, mental and social health through physical activity: A Systematic literature review. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 33(3), 590–601. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.553

Refereed conference proceedings

Beechey-Danvers J. A., Wheeler, M. P. N. Kemel, and S. Talpey. 2024 “Strength in collaboration: Exploring the role of strength and conditioning coaches in collaborative practice with physiotherapists in elite Australian rules football.,” International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning, Melbourne.

Kemel, P. N. & Snell, C. 2023, ‘Breaking New Ground: A Scoping Review Investigating the Determinants of the First-Generation Undergraduate Healthcare Student University Experience’ in Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Festival, Gold Coast.

Snell, C. & Kemel, P. N. 2023, ‘Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT) Technology in Health Professional Education’ in Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Festival, Gold Coast

Kemel, P. N. 2022, ‘Building resilient healthcare professionals: An exploration of the cohort experience following a year-long, embedded mindfulness practice program’ in Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Festival, Online.

Associations

  • Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapy