Sonja Coetzee

Biography

Sonja contributes to teaching, research and work-integrated learning (WIL) in the School of Health at UniSC. She teaches in the Clinical Exercise Physiology program with a focus on evidence-based professional practice and applied clinical skills training for students. Sonja is also the practicum coordinator for the final year Clinical Exercise Physiology students and engages with and supports external supervisors and students during the WIL experience.

Prior to her current appointment, Sonja held academic positions at Southern Cross University in NSW (2012-19) and the North-West University in South Africa (2004-2011), where she was also a Captain and practising Biokineticist in the South African Military Health Service.

Sonja is an accredited clinical exercise physiologist and an ISAK Level 3 Anthropometrist.

Sonja's research initially focused on metabolic conditions and body composition but has expanded to include the areas of WIL and aquatic exercise as a treatment modality. Her current research interests are mainly centred around investigating the extent to which exercise as medicine can be utilised in injury rehabilitation and chronic disease management and the direct translation of research findings into practical and improved patient outcomes; with a more recent focus in the oncology setting.

Teaching areas

• Clinical Exercise Physiology Professional Practicum
• Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• Clinical Skills for Exercise Physiology

Professional memberships

• Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSA)