Researchers step into the clinic
07 December 2023
Peter Mac has just completed its biggest ever Scientists in the Clinic program!
Research Program Education Manager, Claudie Thia, said the program gives scientists the opportunity to step outside the laboratory and see the complexities of clinical medicine first-hand.
“This is a unique opportunity for scientists to understand what cancer patients go through and to observe the different interactions that take place between clinicians, patients and carers every day,” Claudie said.
“The program allows research staff to observe different clinical activities including outpatient consults, multi-disciplinary meetings and surgery.
“This year was our biggest ever program with twice as many researchers taking part and visiting a number of new areas including Radiotherapy, Cancer Imaging, Pathology and genetic counselling in the Familial Cancer Centre.
“We are uniquely positioned at the Peter Mac so this program is great in helping foster connections between our researchers and clinicians for the advancement of cancer treatment”.
“The program returned last year after a break due to COVID and it’s fantastic to see the support and enthusiasm from both scientists and clinical staff,” she said.
Evanny Marinovic from the Cancer Genetics Laboratory visited Theatre and was able to get hands on with a surgery robot in training mode.
“This has been one of the best experiences of my life. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of it!” she said.
Richard Lupat from the Bioinformatics Core Facility and Dr Laura MacPherson from the Translational Research Centre received a detailed lesson on a patient’s radiotherapy treatment process, taking a deep dive into the computer planning processes, led by radiotherapy clinical educator Ken Nguyen.
They then observed radiation therapists within the CT scanner workspace and treatment bunkers, where patients were receiving treatment.
“Normally I’m dealing with computational algorithms, so it’s been great to see in-person how data are being captured and used clinically,” Richard said.
Dr Macpherson is usually focussed on lab testing potential drug candidates.
“It was great to compare how these therapies are used in the lab and clinic,” Laura said.
Olivia Craig, a PhD student working on Ovarian Cancer, said: “I was able to get direct feedback from some clinicians about our plans for future translational studies which was fantastic.”