Thursday 10 November 2022 View in browser

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Equity up in lights as national priority

A key tenet of our Health Equity program is an explicit focus on addressing inequities in cancer care and outcomes for underserved populations.

It was great to see the theme of the 2022 COSA Annual Scientific Meeting held last week – Equitable cancer care for all – which is so closely aligned with our strategic direction and for other major initiatives, including the new Australian Cancer Plan. It feels like there is real momentum in this area, with transformative potential.

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Latest News

Major funding for prostate cancer practice-changing trial

A study led by VCCC Alliance Research and Education Lead for Genito-urinary Cancers, Associate Professor Niall Corcoran, aims to improve decision-making in prostate cancer treatment by conducting the largest genomically informed, prospective randomised trial in intermediate-risk patients ever undertaken.

The Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions’ (DJPR) Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund aims to fast-track the translation of research into real-world outcomes and has committed $250,000 towards the study.

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VCCC Alliance Consumer Engagement Forum 2022

A Shared Vision: Prioritising consumers in research

“Whoever gets to define what is important to fund or develop within a service will shape the future of cancer treatment and care.” – VCCC Alliance Deputy Chair Professor Sanchia Aranda.

Researchers, clinicians, consumers and those who work with them are invited to join our annual Consumer Engagement Forum on 7 December 2022 to learn about the revolutionary role consumers can play in setting research direction, preparing research applications and educating through lived experience.

Read more and register ›

Equity at its core: our take on the Australian Cancer Plan

The Australian Cancer Plan will unashamedly focus on equity in outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, says Chief Executive of Cancer Australia, Professor Dorothy Keefe.

The draft plan is now out for consultation and focuses on achieving world-class outcomes and experiences for all Australians. We pick up the conversation about the plan from the COSA 49th Annual Scientific Meeting in Brisbane.

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Expressions of interest open: Clinical Trialist Development Hub

The VCCC Alliance is committed to accelerating new drug discoveries into clinical use through early-phase clinical trials to benefit patients with the greatest need.

The Clinical Trialist Development Hub project will support the development of trial designs for novel therapies and a new generation of clinical trial investigators.

Read more and apply ›

Equitable cancer care for all: 2022 COSA ASM in review

It was impossible to miss the significance of health equity on the national agenda for cancer care at the 2022 COSA Annual Scientific Meeting.

 
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Health Equity definitions: Shared Language

Shared Language forms a critical part of effective collaboration. Clear definitions are incredibly important when communicating at a systems level, particularly when that communication centres on addressing the health inequities experienced by underserved populations.

 
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VCCC Alliance In Person: Keely Bumsted O'Brien

Meet Dr Keely Bumsted O’Brien, Head of the Scientific Education Office at WEHI, an Honorary Senior Fellow in the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Melbourne and a cancer consumer.

 
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EOI: VCCC Alliance Clinical Trials Mentoring Program

We are seeking mentors to join our new Clinical Trials Mentoring Program, designed to bring together mid and senior-level clinical trials staff to encourage career development, knowledge exchange, and leadership skills.

 
Become a mentor ›

Online Course Development Coordinator – Nurse-Led Research

Develop relevant and interesting course content for our nurse-led research course in this part-time 0.4 FTE role. Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 16 November 2022.
 
Apply now ›

Education & Training

Another boost for Victorian clinical trials workforce

The 2022 SKILLED Clinical Trial Assistant interns last month delivered their final presentations, signalling another welcome boost to Victoria’s clinical trials workforce.

A key component of the SKILLED Internship Program – supported by MTPConnect and the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions – is a site-specific Quality Improvement Project, where interns are tasked with identifying an area of need at their placement site, then developing and implementing a sustainable solution.

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Former SKILLED Interns reflect on game-changing program

Jessie Gillick-Walker and David Hong, former interns of the SKILLED Clinical Trial Internship Program, reflect on their own internships and how they paved the way for future success in the clinical trials sector.

Watch now ›

2022 VCCC Alliance Picchi Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research

The VCCC Alliance together with the Picchi Brothers Foundation invite you to join us for a special Monday Lunch Live to celebrate the achievements of this year's three Picchi Awardees for Excellence in Cancer Research.

Irene Deftereos (Western Health, University of Melbourne), Asha Bonney (Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne) and Wenxin Hu (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) took out the prestigious awards in the areas of Clinical Science, Population Health and Basic Science respectively.

Register now ›

Congratulations...

Recognising outstanding achievements and contributions from across the VCCC Alliance

Professor Laura Mackay

Congratulations to Professor Laura Mackay of the Doherty Institute, who became the youngest-ever Fellow elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences last month.


Professor Fary Khan AM

Congratulations to Professor Fary Khan AM of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, who has been elected a member of the United States’ prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM).


Upcoming Events

14

NOV

MLL: Cancer aetiology and risk prediction, the value of family study designs

Dr Shuai Li introduces us to innovative family study designs and relevant findings on cancer risks related to BRCA1/2 mutations and breast cancer genetic susceptibility and risk prediction.

Book now ›

16

NOV

Equity at the Bedside: Workshop for nurses

Nurses who work with people with cancer and who have an interest in building their clinical and research skills are invited to attend this workshop.

Book now ›

17

NOV

Thinkwell Workshop: Developing a Research Track Record on a Shoe String

Learn how to create research outputs that don’t cost much money.

Book now ›

21

NOV

2022 VCCC Alliance Picchi Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research

Celebrate the achievements of this year's three Picchi Award winners.

Book now ›

1

DEC

Excellent teaching in no time: Advanced clinical supervision

Learn the underpinning principles and practical strategies needed to effectively supervise health professionals and students.

Book now ›

 

7

DEC

VCCC Alliance Consumer Engagement Forum 2022

A Shared Vision: Prioritising consumers in research.

Book now ›

Spotlight On...

Survey: Implementing Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer

This survey examines health professionals' learning and practice needs to meet the clinical practice requirements of the Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.

If you would like further information regarding any aspect of this project, please contact contactWCMICS@petermac.org

Take the survey ›

October Snapshot

13 Education and training events
693 Education and training event attendees
VCCC Alliance members