FORUM FOSTERS DIALOGUE BETWEEN BREAST CANCER LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVOCATES, RESEARCHERS AND CLINICIANS Organised by the University of Queensland and Translational Research Institute
In October 2024, the Frazier Institute hosted an event dedicated to breast cancer advocacy and research, supported by TRI (Translational Research Institute), National Breast Cancer Foundation, PA Research Foundation, Health Translation Queensland, QUT and The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine/Frazer Institute.
The key aim of the event co-organised by Associate Professor Joy Wolfram, Group Leader, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology & School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland was to foster dialogue between breast cancer lived experience advocates (consumers), researchers, and clinicians.
Co-organiser Associate Professor Fernando Guimaraes, Group Leader, Principal Research Fellow, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland spoke to Australian Health Journal about the need to host the event and regularly engage with consumers.
Jo Maxwell, Principal Project Officer, Consumer and Community Involvement in Research Strategy and Support at The University of Queensland also spoke about the standards for consumer participation and collaboration adopted from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).
“IAP2 guides the researcher to structure consumer involvement all through the different stages of their research”, says Maxwell.
Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, Chief Executive Officer National Breast Cancer Foundation presented at the Forum and spoke to Australian Health Journal on the impact of engagement when communities, researchers and clinicians come together to hear about the latest research and discuss a future of better breast cancer care and outcomes.
The day long event was enlightening and impactful. The forum in Brisbane included a workshop focused on creating international connections between breast cancer consumers in Australia and the United States, with insights from leading breast cancer oncologists, clinicians, consumers, researchers, and community.
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New Generative AI and machine learning frontier on unused patient care data
Drawing from GE’s 125-year legacy in healthcare, Amit Yadav, CEO GE HealthCare ANZ is leading efforts to integrate AI into medical imaging devices and optimise workflow efficiencies. He stresses the importance of leveraging the vast amount of untapped healthcare data, with an emphasis on automating manual processes to enhance productivity. Additionally, his focus extends to utilising AI for workflow optimisation and ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards to prioritise safety.
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Generosity of spirit in teaching
The Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence is considered one of the most prestigious awards in biomedical research in Australia and is highly sought after by researchers in the field.
In 2022, Professor Matthew Kiernan was the recipient of the Ramaciotti Medal for Excellence and the associated $50,000 award.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Professor Kiernan to hear about his journey in medicine and science to try and uncover and understand diseases and his generosity of spirit to pass on what he has learnt.
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Lens on patient care & allied health workforce across settings
The CEO of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), Bronwyn Morris-Donovan spoke with Australian Health Journal about the following:
The structure and priorities for AHPA
The setting and disciplines in Allied Health
Allied Health representation in the Strengthening Medicare Task Force
Importance of a data strategy and interoperability in delivery of allied health services
Key allied health priorities hopefully addressed in Federal Budget.In the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
