VICTORIAN COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTR

Thursday 8 April 2021

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

2020 a year half empty or half full?

For some, it may feel as though we can put some distance between the uncertainty of 2020 as we enjoy current freedoms. These past weeks, I’ve heard many people say that they didn’t fully appreciate how deeply they had been affected by the events of last year and it’s taken time to process all that has occurred.

I am personally very grateful to those who have contributed so proactively to the COVID-19 Cancer Taskforce. We have just marked the one-year anniversary since the VCCN was formed. It became a vital forum where...

Latest News

COVID-19 vaccination vital for people affected by cancer

Under Phase 1B of the Australian COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, patients with cancer are now eligible for priority vaccination. In reality, a number of practical and psychological barriers remain, which may impact take-up of this critical vaccination program. The message we need to share is that patients undergoing cancer treatment should feel confident being vaccinated.

National Shifting Gears Summit put consumers in driver's seat

According to Vincent Dumez, Centre of Excellence on Partnership with Patients and the Public, the University of Montreal, we are in the middle of a patient-led innovation revolution. Does that make the 800 people who attended the first joint Australian and New Zealand Consumer Experience and Leadership in Health Summit last month revolutionaries?

VCCC Head and Neck Cancer Symposium - Intimacy and sexual health

Cancer can be devastating in all its forms. There may be much to mourn. Head and neck cancers can be among the most distressing, not only for their obvious ability to alter a person’s appearance but for their capacity to affect a person’s sense of self.

Regional Projects Manager

We are looking for our newest VCCC team member. Help us to fast-track innovations in regional Victoria, particularly those with the poorest cancer outcomes.

Upcoming Events

19

APR

Dr Koen Degeling: Using simulation models to optimise the development and use of oncology innovations
Monday Lunch Live

Book now ›

26

APR

Discover how investigator-initiated trials can change the way clinical trials are conducted in Victoria - and how it is done

Monday Lunch Live

Book now ›

17

MAY

My Five-Minute Thesis: Master of Cancer Sciences Student Showcase

Hosted by course convenors Professor Grant McArthur and Dr David Kok

Book now ›

Education and Training

Picchi Award presentation honours stellar group

It has been a long year for the 2020 Picchi Award winners who finally received their trophies last week. Matthew Grant is in the Netherlands experiencing the global pandemic from a European perspective. French-national Deborah Meyran completed her PhD with a young family, has forged new frontiers with her research, and France is suddenly much further away. Stefan Bjelosevic has been bunkered down at Peter Mac at the Johnstone Lab as a key member of the team.

Regions set for boost with SKILLED clinical trial interns

Nine study coordinators and 12 clinical trial assistants have been officially mobilised across both regional and metropolitan sites after completing an intensive two-week orientation at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

New online cancer course endorsed by clinicians and consumers

Consumer representative Ray Kelly recently road-tested a new, four-week, part-time, massive open online course on Cancer and the Older Person, earning a certificate of achievement and giving it the thumbs up.

Online tutor: Cancer Prevention & Control subject - Master of Cancer Sciences

Share your cancer prevention and control expertise with the next generation of cancer specialists. We require a casual Teaching Assistant to support a tutorial group of up to 25 online graduate students. Commencing immediately.

Research Project Supervisor: Research Thesis Capstone - Master of Cancer Sciences

We are seeking a casual Research Project Supervisor in the Research Thesis Capstone subject to take responsibility for the supervision of multiple students (4-5 per six month project) within the Master of Cancer Sciences course.

My Five-Minute Thesis: Master of Cancer Sciences Student Showcase

Hosted by course convenors Professor Grant McArthur and Dr David Kok, along with research supervisors, this special virtual event will showcase the inaugural cohort of Master of Cancer Sciences alumni and their cancer research projects.

For your diary

National Telehealth Summit

The National Telehealth Summit will take place as a face-to-face event on the 20-21 of April 2021 at the Swissôtel Sydney. It will also be available virtually.

Telemedicine in Australia is not new, but there is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed an unprecedented shift toward virtual care across the country. Moreover, the Australian Government’s announcement to inject $669 million to expand Medicare-subsidised Telehealth services for all Australians, whilst also providing extra incentives to general practitioners and other health practitioners was a game changer. The funding for telehealth has made it more accessible, affordable and appealing to health services and consumers alike.

As we begin to look beyond the pandemic and into the future, now is an important time to discuss what place telehealth will have in Australia’s healthcare system now and into the future?

Date: Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 April
Time: 2-day event
Where: Swissotel Sydney and virtual

Event link ›

Clinical Ethics Grand Round

Peter Mac's Clinical Ethics Service will be hosting a Clinical Ethics Grand Round on the ethics of vaccination allocation. Four fundamental ethical principles are relevant to the COVID-19 vaccination allocation and timing:

Maximizing benefits and minimizing harms
Respecting individual liberty/autonomy
Promoting fairness
Promoting transparency

In this discussion, presenters will unpack what these ethical principles mean and how they can be used to practically guide decisions and address ethical questions about prioritising patients and staff for the COVID-19 vaccination.

Presenters: Dr Zeb Jamrozik & Professor Clare Delany
How to participate: Join the Zoom meeting here
Date: Tuesday 13 April
Time: 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Zoom link ›