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“There really is nowhere else like it.”
That’s how third-year oncology fellow Dr Adel Shahnam described Peter Mac after joining us in February.
After over a month in the role, Adel sat down with us to share what it’s like working in Australia’s largest Phase 1 Trials Unit.
“There are world leaders in oncology all around the organisation. These are the names you see presenting at international conferences everywhere, so to have the chance to work alongside them is just amazing,” Dr Shahnam explains.
“It can be quite intimidating to stand beside world renowned names in cancer care but everybody has been very approachable and happy to share their knowledge.
“As someone who wants to work in oncology and clinical trials it was the obvious place to apply to for my fellowship year.”
Through his role, Dr Shahnam is gaining insights into designing and constructing clinical trials while managing and supporting patients and their families.
“I’m finding that I’ve been inspired by the opportunity to work with and learn from the best,” he said.
“Peter Mac has a unique model of care that’s taken me some time to adjust to, but the support from the team and everyone I’ve met has been great.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to also do some work with sarcoma so having the option to focus on a sub-specialty at the same time as the trial work is a fantastic mix,” he said.
But the one thing Dr Shahnam wasn’t expecting to be so difficult? Melbourne’s weather.
“Everyone says the weather can be erratic and I can see what they mean,” he said.
“My first day down here it was 35 degrees in the morning and then by the afternoon it was raining!
“But Melbourne has so much to see and do. I’m really looking forward to exploring the city and the state and getting to know them better.”
Peter Mac has had a recent influx of doctors undertaking their fellowship year, as well as graduate nurses starting out their careers.
We’ll bring you some of their stories over the year as they embark on an exciting and rewarding careers in oncology at Peter Mac.
First steps to navigating Peter Mac
Getting started Peter Mac locations Visitor information Accessing telehealth Important contacts Patient and carer supportWe offer care that goes beyond treatment
Peter Mac has a wellbeing approach to care. We base this on a fundamental belief that the best cancer care treats the person and the disease. The Wellbeing Centre is a sanctuary for patients, their families and carers. It is a gathering place that is open, accepting and welcoming for all.
Cancer can be hard to deal with and we know that getting treatment is only part of it. You might have other challenges and need help with them. We offer many kinds of help for you, your loved ones, and your carers. Each resource can help you deal with how cancer affects your body, emotions and money.
The Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service is a team of health and other professionals who specialise in the care of young people aged 15 to 25. We work with you and your healthcare team to support you at all stages of the cancer journey, anywhere in Victoria.
You are a carer if you’re taking care of someone with cancer. You might be a family member, friend or neighbour. Our wonderful volunteer service is here to help to make things a little easier for you and the person you’re caring for. They offer a range of support, resources, and items to help you.
The Psychosocial Oncology Program is a multidisciplinary team. This includes clinical psychologists, social workers, PCLNs, and psychiatrists/psychiatric registrars. They assess patients at risk of mental health problems. They will also assess and treat those with current mental health problems.