Science Student Ambassadors play a key role in the promotion of the Faculty of Science programs and activities to both future and current students. They represent the Faculty at a variety of events including Open Day, information evenings, science precinct tours and school visits. They also represent the faculty through social media contribution and marketing activities.
Project 3: Are we measuring the right ‘KPIs’ in lung cancer care?
Lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer deaths in Australia and despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, 5-year survival remains very low (around 16%). The Victorian Lung Cancer Registry (VLCR) is a clinical quality registry established in 2011 to benchmark and report on quality of care for Victorians diagnosed with lung cancer, with the aim of identifying variation, improving care and optimising patient outcomes. A number of quality indicators (analogous to KPIs) have formed the basis for the data items collected by the registry and the benchmarked reports that go back to participating hospitals. However, the landscape of lung cancer care is rapidly evolving, and it is time to reassess the value of the 23 indicators that were selected in 2011, and ensure that we are still measuring the right aspects of care to achieve the aims of the registry. This project will involve a strong component of literature review and would suit a candidate with excellent understanding of the Australian healthcare system as well as a strong interest in oncology.
Please contact Margaret Brand to apply for this honours project.
Phone 03 (9903 0206) Email: margaret.brand@monash.edu
Project 2: Exploring the real-world impact of new diagnostic and therapeutic developments in lung cancer
We have entered an exciting new era in cancer therapies, where individualised therapies for specific tumour gene changes and therapies that mobilise the patient’s immune system against a tumour are becoming commonplace. In lung cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for certain EGFR gene mutations and ALK gene translocations) and PD-L1 inhibitors (immunotherapy agents such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab) are making a huge impact on survival and quality of life for some patients. The Victorian Lung Cancer Registry (VLCR) at Monash University is a clinical quality registry that has been collecting diagnosis, treatment and survival data (and some quality of life data) on a large proportion of Victorians with lung cancer since 2011 and has amassed thousands of patient records. In recent years, VLCR has included data on the molecular testing results of lung cancers (for EGFR, ALK and PD-L1) and the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. An opportunity exists to enhance and analyse the existing data, and explore the impact of molecular testing and targeted therapies on survival from lung cancer.
Applicants please note: Although this proposal relates to molecular pathology and immunotherapies, this is NOT laboratory research or clinical trial work – we are a health services research team focused on observing and measuring quality of care in different cancer streams, and linking these with patient outcomes.
Please contact Margaret Brand to apply for this honours project.
Phone 03 (9903 0206) Email: margaret.brand@monash.edu
Project 1: Does the Multidisciplinary Meeting improve quality and value of care for lung cancer patients?
The quality of care provided to patients is described by an array of outcomes including value in healthcare i.e., patient-centred outcomes achieved per healthcare dollar spent which can define quality and unify performance improvement goals with health outcomes of importance to patients across the entire cycle of care. These include, (1) health status achieved, (2) process of recovery, and (3) sustainability of health. The multidisciplinary care team in lung cancer is likely to beneficially impact measures of value for lung cancer patients and this needs to be established. A research project is proposed to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated for lung cancer at the Alfred Hospital and to assess value in those who have and have not been evaluated in the context of a multidisciplinary care team.
Please contact Margaret Brand to apply for this honours project.
Phone 03 (9903 0206) Email: margaret.brand@monash.edu
Thinking of doing Honours next year? Interested in clinical/ public health?
Hello from Career Connect!
We’ve got some great news for students who are completing or about to complete their studies. Career Connect’s Masterclasses are back.
Our week of intensive employability workshops were such a success back in July that we’re holding a new series from November 25 to 28. And there will be some new sessions specially created for students ready to get their post-study career journey underway.
Current Role: Project Officer, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Ltd (formerly Australia and New Zealand Melanoma Trial Group (ANZMTG).
Degree: Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) (Public Health), Bachelor of Science (Physiology).
Since Graduating in 2017 Carla has gone on to do a wide range of roles within the healthcare industry. Carla has done everything from administration at Cabrini Hospital (whilst completing her studies) to research and clinical trial work with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Carla is currently working as a Project Officer for Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Ltd.
Learn more about Carla’s exciting journey at university and in her career below:
The Faculty of Science is pleased to present its first Masters Information Session to help you explore the graduate coursework options open to you after completing your science undergraduate degree.
You are invited to attend our inaugural Masters Information Session: Courses and Careers Paths session on Tuesday, October 8 between 5.00pm and 7.00pm at S1, S3, and S4, 16 Rainforest Walk.
The session will also provide you with the opportunity to meet Course Directors, current students, Alumni and speak with staff to gain an understanding of how the course could work for you based on your career aspirations and goals.
Course advisers will be on hand for breakout information sessions to provide you with detailed information about the:
In addition to invaluable information about our graduate courses, the Expo will provide you with advice on topics such as FEE-HELP, Credit Transfer, Study Mode, and more.
If you are interested in attending this information-packed event, please register here.
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