She completed her residency training at Stanford University Medical Center. Treating breast cancer patients and witnessing the epidemic of breast cancer over the last 30 years, she became interested in public health and the root causes of chronic illness along with prevention strategies. Dr. Russell has been Chair of the Santa Clara County Medical Association (SCCMA/MCMS) Environmental Health Committee since 1995 and has been VP of Community Health for the SCCMA/MCMS since 2010. During that time she has authored many policy resolutions related to reducing environmental toxins at the California Medical Association House of Delegates. In 2001 she led the effort to pass the Santa Clara County Integrated Pest Management ordinance to reduce pesticide exposure on County property. She remains on the SCCIPM Task Force.