Subiaco research achievements highlighted

7 Feb 2019

St John of God Subiaco Hospital surgeon Professor Christobel Saunders AO

6 February 2019

Featured within the report are annual highlights of the hospital’s 15 research units and collaborations.

These highlights include all research projects and clinical trials, publications, researcher accolades and insights into strategic research interests.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Professor Shirley Bowen said the report shows how important investment in health and medical research is to how we deliver exceptional patient care.

“It enhances our engagement with the very best in new technologies, treatments and practices, and enables us to attract a world-class team of researchers, doctors and caregivers,” she said.

“I would like to gratefully acknowledge all researchers who contributed to the outstanding portfolio of research outlined within this report. We are so fortunate they have chosen to partner with us in their research efforts.”

There are currently more than 50 employed researchers at St John of God Subiaco Hospital across 15 research fields who have produced over 144 publications.

One of the groups highlighted within the report is St John God Subiaco Hospital’s Breast Cancer Research Unit.

Led by St John of God Subiaco Hospital surgeon Professor Christobel Saunders AO, the unit’s research focuses on improving the health, care and lifestyles of those affected by breast cancer through a range of diagnostic and treatment services.

Services include innovative oncoplastic and reconstruction surgery, medical oncology and supportive care through dedicated breast nurses, survivorship clinics, specialist physiotherapy and psychology care.

According to Professor Bowen one in eight Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85, which is over 15,000 women per year.

“Survival rates for this disease continue to improve and the research being conducted by Professor Saunders and her colleagues is playing an instrumental role in providing better treatment,” she said.

Professor Saunders was honoured in 2018 as an Officer in the General Division, Order of Australia, for distinguished service to medical education in the field of surgical oncology and to the diagnosis and management of breast cancer and melanoma as an academic, researcher and clinician.