The significant contributions of five exceptional individuals in improving outcomes for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer were acknowledged during the conference dinner at the ANZGOG 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting held on 23 March, 2023.
Join us in congratulating these outstanding members of ANZGOG’s membership and community for their efforts in improving life for women with gynaecological cancer.
MICHAEL FRIEDLANDER AM AWARD
Winner: Dr Nikki Burdett
This award recognises Dr Burdett as an emerging early career researcher for 2023. She is considered one of the future leaders of ANZGOG.
Nikki is an Investigator on EmQuest, a survey study that aims to identify factors which predict for health-related quality of life deficits and increased symptom burden in women who have been treated for endometrial cancer.
She is predominantly working in translational research as part of her PhD at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre while completing part-time clinical work at the Mercy Hospital for Women.
RESEARCH PIONEER AWARD
Winner: Professor David Bowtell
Congratulations to Prof Bowtell, who has consistently led innovation in ovarian cancer research both locally and globally and is immensely deserving of this award.
David is co-Head of the Women’s Cancer Program at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and was instrumental in the creation and launch of OASIS, ANZGOG’s world class ovarian cancer initiative.
With an extensive background in human cancer genomics, he is the leading Investigator for the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS), and CASCADE, a rapid autopsy study.
ANZGOG CHAIR’S COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD
Winner: Duncan McPherson OAM
This award identif
ies a remarkable community volunteer who goes above and beyond to improve outcomes for women affected by gynaecological cancer.
Duncan, Patron of Team Teal, has been a driving force in the campaign, enabling it to raise over $2.5 million since its inception. These funds are crucial in facilitating ANZGOG’s Survivors Teaching Students program to continue educating future doctors about research, symptoms, and lived experiences of women affected by gynaecological cancer.
Duncan was also a part of last year’s WomenCan Larapinta Trek, raising much-needed funds for ANZGOG’s research.
He continues to be a formidable advocate for ANZGOG, WomenCan, and gynaecological cancer research.
CLINICAL TRIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Professor Linda Mileshkin
Long-standing ANZGOG member Prof Mileshkin won this award which acknowledges the practice changing research she has led over the years.
Linda is a researcher with a particular interest in the treatment of gynaecological cancers, as well as the supportive care of people affected by cancer. She is the Principal Investigator of the practice-changing ANZGOG-led OUTBACK trial in cervical cancer
She also runs Australia’s only specialist clinic dedicated to the care of people affected by Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). She is the Interim Director of Medical Oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the clinical trials lead for gynaecology in the Parkville Cancer Clinical Trials Unit.
She is actively involved in ANZGOG as a member of multiple committees and Chair of the EDEN initiative to improve outcomes for women with endometrial cancer.
OUTSTANDING CLINICAL TRIAL SITE AWARD
Winner: Newcastle Private Trials Unit
Newcastle Private Trials Unit received this accolade for their clinical trial coordination and outstanding recruitment in ANZGOG trials.
Newcastle Private Trials Unit are an active and exciting clinical trials unit at Newcastle Private Hospital (NPH) with over 10 years’ experience conducting clinical trials in the private setting. The trial unit seeks to meet the needs of their patient community by providing them with greater access to treatment options.
Their oncologists and trial coordinators are active members of a number of national Cancer Cooperative Trials Groups (CCTGs).
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our dedicated members who have actively participated and cooperated with us. We acknowledge your invaluable contributions, unwavering commitment and passion for advancing and supporting research in the field of gynaecological cancer. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. #ImprovingLifeForWomen
