We’re proud to announce that Jessica Cairns has been named HCANZA Health & Wellness Coach of the Year (Healthcare Setting) – an honour that recognises exemplary patient-centred coaching within clinical teams and its measurable impact on care.
Delivering an incredible 575 coaching calls in the last year, Jess is a quiet force whose patient-centred presence is matched by deep commitment to her team, her practice, and the coaching profession.
We are proud to take this opportunity to shine a light on Jess’ coaching and share some of the incredible value she has brought to MFM since joining us in 2020.
Jess is a standout coach in every way – not because she is loud or flashy, but because she is grounded, reliable and wise. She has a rare ability to hold space for people – especially those in crisis – without flinching or fixing. She brings kindness, calm, and challenge in just the right measure.
Jess works closely with patients navigating chronic, complex and emotionally charged presentations – notably those with skin conditions, who often arrive at MFM overwhelmed and stressed. Her calm is often the first solid ground they experience in their care journey.
In peer observations, her coaching is described as “spacious,” “strategic,” and “full of permission.” Whether advocating for patients, helping them reconnect with their “why,” or breaking down overwhelm into action, Jess gently steers them back to themselves.
Jess’ coaching is rooted in empathy, but defined by outcomes. She helps people shift from “stuck” to “self-led” – even in complex, high-pressure cases.
“The weekly sessions with Jess helped me start processing 20 years of living with illness. She always helped steer me towards the most authentic decisions – which has put me on the path of following my intuition, both in and out of healthcare settings.”
– Patient review (Bonnie)
One standout example of Jess’s impact comes from a paediatric case, where she coached indirectly through a parent:
“Our daughter had been suffering from gut issues, major food restrictions and low energy for years. Jess took the time to really understand our daughter through us. She knew how to speak to kids. I’ll never forget how she reassured me when I doubted myself as a parent. Her compassion and wisdom helped our daughter – and helped us.”
Jess supports a wide range of patients – from a rural South Australian farmer to neurodiverse children and non-English-speaking families. She adapts seamlessly, coaching through interpreters, support people, or digital platforms as needed.
With strengths lying in blending the practical with the meaningful, she helps patients explore food stories, inner dialogue, or identity shifts, while still guiding them toward action. In a recent peer review, one of her most impactful strategies was silence – holding space so an expressive patient could fully land in their own truth.
She listens fully, asks precisely, and resists rushing in with answers. This allows both patient and coach to uncover deeper clarity and demonstrates excellence in coaching.
Jess is more than a coach – she’s a cornerstone
Working closely with four functional medicine practitioners, Jess plays a central role in interdisciplinary care. She participates in clinical reviews, helps translate patient priorities into action, and ensures emotional and behavioural insights shape the broader treatment plan.
For our team, Jess is the quiet backbone – picking up slack when needed, improving systems, and modelling excellence in every interaction. And for our broader community, the impact shows in the health gains, mindset shifts, and renewed agency our patients carry into their families, workplaces, and lives.
Jess doesn’t seek the spotlight.
But make no mistake – she is one of the most impactful coaches you will meet.
She leads by showing up. She holds a steady flame for patients and teammates alike. She is trusted, respected, and quietly adored.
This award honours what healthcare too often overlooks: the power of consistency, kindness, and fierce gentleness in changing lives. We are proud to have Jess on our team and thank her for her ongoing dedication and skill.
