Dr Jin Russell is a leading Aotearoa New Zealand developmental paediatrician, researcher, and child health advocate. She is currently Chief Clinical Advisor for Child and Youth Health at Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) and a consultant developmental paediatrician at Starship Children’s Health in Auckland.

Dr Russell completed her PhD in life-course epidemiology at the University of Auckland in 2024, with research focusing on health inequities and the impact of social determinants—such as poverty and housing—on early childhood development. She has been a key voice in recent national ADHD service reforms, helping shape changes that improve access to assessment and treatment through primary care.

Widely recognised for her clear, evidence-based public communication, Dr Russell became a trusted national voice during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on child health and school safety. She is a regular contributor to public discourse through platforms such as The Spinoff and Newsroom, and is a strong advocate for systemic approaches to improving child and youth wellbeing.

Check out this article, written about Jin’s career at the University of Auckland blog website.