Research and Education leads take the helm
The VCCC Alliance is delighted to announce the appointment and re-appointment of several Research and Education Leads, who will ensure Victoria remains at the forefront of cancer research, treatment and care through their vital leadership.
Five appointments have been made across Cancer Nursing, Primary Care, Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Screening, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, and Regional and Rural Health.
Dr Sam Harris is the newly appointed lead for Regional and Rural Health, while Professor Meinir Krishnasamy (Cancer Nursing), Professor Jon Emery (Primary Care), Associate Professor Gavin Wright (Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Screening) and Associate Professor Kalinda Griffiths (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health) have all been reappointed.
Prof Krishnasamy has led the VCCC Alliance’s successful Nurse-led Research Hub, while Prof Jon Emery developed and delivers the Data Connect program. A/Prof Gavin Wright has been heavily involved in advocacy for lung cancer screening, now funded as part of a national program, and A/Prof Griffiths has led research and initiatives to improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with a focus on better data capture, as well as co-convening the third World Indigenous Cancer Conference in March 2024. Dr Sam Harris from Bendigo Health, who succeeds co-Leads A/Prof Craig Underhill and A/Prof Ian Collins in Regional and Rural Health, brings his unique perspective and dedicated enthusiasm to his new role ensuring regional and rural Victorians have equity of access to cancer care.
VCCC Alliance Chief Executive, Prof Grant McArthur AO, congratulated the appointees on their roles and thanked outgoing Regional and Rural Health Research and Education co-leads, A/Prof Underhill and A/Prof Ian Collins, for their outstanding service and contributions to cancer patients across our state.
“I wish all our re-appointed and newly appointed Research and Education Leads the very best in their roles. We appreciate the time commitment these individuals bring to their already busy schedules, and are honoured they have chosen to continue or commence their new roles with the VCCC Alliance. Your expertise will advance better cancer outcomes for all Victorians, and I thank you for your leadership.”
