Dr Alesha Thai is a Head and Neck Medical Oncologist and Clinician-Scientist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Austin Health in Melbourne, Australia. Her research focuses on the interplay between the tumour microenvironment, the host immune system, and viral drivers of head and neck cancer, with a strong emphasis on improving disparities in patient care, particularly for patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Dr Thai leads several collaborative initiatives, including multi-site programs partnering with CALD patients and carers to co-design strategies that improve access to care across Victorian health services. She also works closely with community organisations, including The Water Well Project, to deliver culturally tailored cancer education resources.
She completed her PhD in 2024 through the University of Melbourne, examining the tumour microenvironment in head and neck cancer, and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications spanning translational, clinical, and health services research. Dr Thai co-chairs the 2025 VICS Head and Neck Cancer Summit and serves on the Peter Mac Research Consumer Engagement Board, supporting consumer-led research governance.
