 During his career he served as curator of the Army Medical Museum from 1907-1911, instructor in the Army Medical School, and professor of pathology and bacteriology at George Washington University.In addition, he served on various investigating boards, one of which he was able to advise and offer technical counsel to Major Carl Darnall in the development of a water filter for field use and the first water chlorinator using gaseous chlorine.After his resignation from the Army in 1921, Russell returned to the rolls as a reserve officer and in November 1920 was appointed Brigadier General of the Medical Officers Reserve Corps.