Join us for the next National Regional Cancer Forum webinar, where we will explore the key issues surrounding access to clinical trials and teletrials in regional and rural Australia. In this national forum, learn about national initiatives improving trial access, hear real stories and learn from regional colleagues, and discover practical strategies and resources that may support increasing clinical trial opportunities to your region.
Topics covered will include:
This series has been made possible by the Cancer Patient Support Program, an Australian Government initiative. Supported by grant funding from the Federal Government, the forums aim to address the educational needs of Australia's regional and rural cancer workforce by facilitating reciprocal learning between regional and metropolitan cancer colleagues.
This is an inclusive event that recognises the expertise of the cancer workforce in regional, rural and metropolitan areas. All workers are invited to participate in education and learning that will enable a collective effort to lift cancer outcomes in regional and rural communities.
This initiative recognises the imperative that we all must work together towards equitable cancer care. An individual’s postcode shouldn’t influence their outcomes.
Dr Todd completed his medical oncology training at Westmead, Blacktown and Nepean Hospitals, and has also completed his PhD at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, studying the use of patients own immune cells to recognise and kill cancer. He has been the recipient of multiple awards for his research work throughout his PhD and has been an active member of the Working Committee of the Cancer Research Network, mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers in Sydney. As a medical oncologist, his focus is on treating patients with breast and gynaecological cancers.
Professor Sabesan is a senior Medical Oncologist at the Townsville Cancer Centre and the Clinical Director of the Australian Teletrial Program, Office of Research and Innovation, Queensland Health. He led the development of various teleoncology models including the Australasian Teletrial model to improve access to high quality care closer to home for RRR communities. As the President of COSA, he plans to advocate for creating equitable health system in Australia and healthier workplace culture as the foundation for workforce wellbeing. Prof Sabesan is actively involved in research that looks to enhance rural oncology outcomes and has received several grants to support his research and develop systems that better serve rural patients. He is an Associate Professor at James Cook University and is actively involved in curriculum design and coordinating oncology education. Prof Sabesan became a fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians in 2003.
Narelle's career in healthcare began as a dietitian in rural, regional, and metropolitan Victoria. Working as an oncology dietitian at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre provided her with research opportunities and led her to Bendigo Health. She has worked in project management and allied health education before her current position at Bendigo Cancer Centre, managing the clinical trials unit. Narelle's PhD research centres on improving the understanding of clinical trial participation barriers and enablers for rural Victorian residents.
Richard is an experienced rural Allied Health Professional Manager and Executive Director. He has led generalist, specialist, primary care, and multidisciplinary rural health services in face to face and virtual modalities across rural and remote New South Wales.
He has led the establishment and expansion of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Haematology services throughout Western NSW. He was the Executive lead for setting up the Western Clinical Trials unit, overseeing both oncology and haematology trials.
Richard is also a consumer advocate, with a lived experience of Mantle Cell Lymphoma diagnosis and accessing clinical trials whilst living in regional NSW.
