 |  | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Data Connect launch is one giant leap |
‘Big Data’ has been a buzzword for much of the 21st Century, but its potential to transform outcomes across a range of diseases is yet to be fully realised.
Data is the bedrock of a quality health system and is essential for research-led improvements to clinical outcomes, which is why it’s such a priority for us and for Victoria.
Through our newly launched initiative, Data Connect, we have undertaken the largest ever primary care and hospital data linkage project in Australia, with more than 130 million medical records from GP and hospital visits now available to researchers to study the continuum of cancer care. | | |
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Latest News |  |
 | Data Connect: 'A critical investment in the future of cancer care' The VCCC Alliance's Australia-first data linkage program, Data Connect, was officially launched on 4 April 2023 by The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP at the VCCC building. | | |
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 | Sophy Athan: A transformative impact Sophy Athan will step down from her role as Chair of the VCCC Alliance Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee (CCAC) after eight years at the helm in June 2023. | | |
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 | Regional Partnerships program signs fourth major centre The VCCC Alliance is delighted to announce South West Healthcare (SWH) as the latest regional cancer centre to sign on as a Regional Program Partner. | | |
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 | PEN-TEST: Register your interest in new penile and testicular cancer forum A VCCC Alliance and Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium collaboration, PEN-TEST is an upcoming fortnightly state-wide forum providing expert advice and discussion on the clinical implications of penile and testicular cancer cases across Victoria. |
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 | EOI: Chair, Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee We are seeking a motivated consumer advocate with lived experience in the cancer setting to help set the strategic direction of the VCCC Alliance and ensure we continue to put the patient first. |
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 | EOI: Committee Members, Cancer Education and Training Advisory Committee We are seeking motivated educators to grow a robust education and training program locally and globally as part of a dynamic committee contributing to the education and training components of the VCCC Alliance strategic programs. |
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Education & Training | |
 | Leadership Academy Launch: The power of vulnerability “Invest in one another and allow other people to invest in you. Be brave, and trust your instincts."
It was a privilege to hear from the Hon. Jaala Pulford and Dr Stephen Parnis at our Leadership Academy Launch. It was the perfect start for the new initiative, which will offer future-focussed networking and educational events for the next generation of leaders in cancer. | | |
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 | PhD candidate? Apply now for your shot at a 2023 Picchi Award The prestigious Picchi Awards have now spanned more than a decade and champion potential world-class researchers embarking on their careers. Up to three $10,000 prizes recognising outstanding cancer research will be awarded to PhD students from across the VCCC Alliance member organisations. | | |
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 | Applications open: 2023 Tony Burgess Medal Our flagship research prize is back, and the 2023 Tony Burgess Medal is now accepting applications. This is a prestigious opportunity for an early-career cancer researcher to present the Tony Burgess Medal Address on 22 June 2023, the eve of the VCCC Alliance Postdoctoral Research Symposium. $5000 cash prize on offer. | | |
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Upcoming Events | |
17 APR | MLL: The challenges and opportunities of telehealth in addressing health equity Massive increases in the use of telehealth due to the pandemic were lauded as transformative for more equitable outcomes. But is this reflected on the ground? Join our expert panel for this candid discussion. Book now › |
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18 APR | Leadership Academy Series: Government Engagement 101 Hear from government engagement and campaigning guru, Neil Pharaoh who will provide practical advice on how to approach key stakeholders and decision-makers to achieve successful outcomes.
Book now › |
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19 APR | VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round with Professor Christobel Saunders Pregnancy Outcome and Safety of Interrupting Therapy for women with endocrine responsIVE breast cancer: Initial Results from the POSITIVE Trial. Book now › |
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26 APR | Emerging new standards of care in Breast Radiation Oncology What have we learned from the latest treatments in breast cancer radiation oncology? Join us for an exciting webinar and panel discussion chaired by Dr Krystel Tran. Book now › |
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28 APR | Victorian Precision Oncology Summit 2023 Join us for the inaugural VCCC Alliance and MPCCC Victorian Precision Oncology Summit 2023 where we will focus on equity of access to molecular testing. Book now › |
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3 MAY | VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round with Dr Laura Forrest and Katrina Monohan Evaluation of the Breast Cancer Mainstream Genetic Testing Program at the Parkville Familial Cancer Centre. Book now › |
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4 MAY | Developing skills for nurse-led practice change Learn how to determine knowledge gaps, clarify research questions and implement clinical practice change. Book now › |
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5 MAY | The evolution in the management of melanoma A comprehensive and practical educational session for advanced trainees to learn how to diagnose and treat melanoma. Book now › |
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Spotlight On... | |
Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute appoints new CEO Professor Marco Herold has officially commenced his role as CEO of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) and Head of La Trobe University’s School of Cancer Medicine.
Professor Herold has worked at WEHI since 2008 and served as a Laboratory Head in the Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division and Head of the Genome Editing Facility. He is a NHMRC L2 Investigator, a former Broomhead Centenary Fellow, and Honorary Professorial Fellow, University of Melbourne.
Professor Herold will lead research governance, bring together all necessary stakeholders to achieve ONCJRI's strategic priorities, and deliver impact on the community through discovery and development of improved cancer therapeutics. |
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Survey: Health Research for All Healthcare cannot be inclusive if health research is not inclusive. Currently, the research sector faces considerable barriers in striving to conduct equitable research, and in Australia, action to address these barriers has been limited.
A collaborative effort between the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes and the VCCC Alliance is striving to leverage the wealth of expertise from across the research sector, to develop an online platform that will empower and equip researchers with the tools they require to embed inclusive research practices within their research. The key aim is to begin to bridge the distinct inequities in health and medical research designs. |
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March Snapshot | |
 | 14 Education and training events |
|  | 827 Education and training event attendees |
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