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Cardio-Oncology Q&A Information Session

Cardio-Oncology Q&A Information Session

It's estimated that one in three Australian people living with cancer will go on to develop cardiovascular disease caused by the cardio-toxicity of cancer treatments and other risk factors - a 40% increase in risk compared to the general population. This makes cardiovascular disease the leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors

Cardio-oncology is an emerging field of research, working towards and with great potential to improve heart health outcomes and quality of life for patients following cancer treatment.

The Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology invites cancer patients, survivors, and their families in the Hunter Region to a free Q&A session with expert cardiologists, oncologists, nurses, and pharmacists.

Learn how cancer treatment can affect heart health and how to protect it beyond cancer. This session is for you if you:

  • Have experienced heart issues from cancer treatment
  • Want to learn more about heart health after cancer
  • Advocate for better heart care in the Hunter

The event includes a presentation from leading experts, a Q&A session, and a chance to connect with others. Join us to learn, ask questions, and support better heart care!

Light refreshments will be provided, please indicate any dietary requirements during your registration.

Our panel members include:

  • Professor Aaron Sverdlov. Professor & Director of Heart Failure and Cardio-Oncology. University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District.
  • Professor Doan Ngo. Academic pharmacist and co-director of the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology research program. University of Newcastle (Panel Chair).
  • Associate Professor James Lynam. Clinical Director, Medical Oncology; Calvary Mater Newcastle
  • Dr Trent Williams. Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cardiology. Calvary Mater Newcastle and John Hunter Hospital.
  • Dr Philippa Ell. Radiation Oncologist. Calvary Mater Newcastle.
  • Mr Joshua Bennetts. Clinical Pharmacist and PhD Candidate, University of Newcastle.

Newcastle centre of cardio-oncology

Meet the Panel

Professor Aaron Sverdlov is a leading heart failure cardiologist who specialises in cardio-oncology—a field focused on protecting the heart during cancer treatment. He is a professor and director of heart failure and cardio-oncology at the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health. Aaron completed his medical training and PhD in Adelaide, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Boston, and joined NSW Health in 2017. Recognised as a future leader in his field, he has co-authored over 120 research papers, secured more than $18 million in grants, and has held several prestigious fellowships.

He co-founded the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology, the first internationally accredited center of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, which combines research, drug discovery, and patient care to improve treatment for cancer patients with heart issues. Professor Sverdlov is also an active editor for multiple medical journals and holds key positions in several national and international cardio-oncology organisations.

Professor Doan Ngo is a National Heart Foundation of Australia Fellow at the University of Newcastle and co-directs both the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology and the Heart and Stroke Program at HMRI. Her groundbreaking research has connected basic science with patient care, leading to the development of new treatments that protect the heart during cancer therapy. This work earned her the 2023 National Australian Cardiovascular Alliance “Game Changer” Award.

She has also focused on addressing healthcare disparities in cardio-oncology, helping to shape national policies and form key working groups. Doan played a vital role in establishing Australia’s first integrated cardio-oncology clinics, which have significantly improved patient outcomes such as blood pressure and cholesterol management.

With around 90 publications in top journals and over $8 million in grant funding, she is a leading figure in the field and actively contributes to several international cardio-oncology organisations.

Associate Professor James Lynam is the Head of Medical Oncology at Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle, where he specialises in treating brain, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Since 2014, he has been a key clinical figure and has led several clinical trials from early phases to later stages. He also chairs the Clinical Cancer Research Network, a collaboration of eight clinical trial units that has expanded the range of trials and won the 2020 NSW Premier’s Award.
Additionally, Dr. Lynam leads the ClinTrial Refer App to boost patient recruitment for cancer trials across NSW. Beyond his clinical work, he plays an active role in medical education and national committees, helping shape oncology training and research in Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Trent Williams is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Cardiology at John Hunter Hospital and a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle.

With over 20 years of experience in acute cardiology, he focuses on improving cardiology systems and patient outcomes, particularly in cases like ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). He is actively involved in developing and monitoring these systems across Hunter New England, researching adverse events and quality improvements. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of nurses and implementing clinical systems, Trent has earned several competitive grants and awards, including a recent fellowship to establish cardio-oncology clinical systems in the district.

Dr Philippa Ell is a Radiation Oncologist at the Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle.  She focuses on advanced radiotherapy techniques, including MRI-guided radiotherapy at GenesisCare in Sydney, and works closely with medical oncologists to deliver comprehensive care. Dr. Ell graduated from medical school in 2009, earned a Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Sydney, and completed specialist training at several NSW hospitals, followed by a clinical/research fellowship at St Vincent’s Hospital focusing on head and neck and CNS cancers. She is also a conjoint lecturer at the University of Newcastle School of Medicine, actively involved in training junior oncology doctors.

Mr Joshua Bennetts. is an emerging academic pharmacist who graduated with top honors from the University of Newcastle in 2018.

After gaining experience in both community and hospital pharmacy settings, he now also offers medication management reviews at home for his community. In 2021, he received a prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Training Scholarship and is currently researching pharmacist-led care models at the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology. His work focuses on helping patients with cardiovascular disease and cancer smoothly transition from hospital care to home. Joshua is a published researcher, has presented his findings at national and international conferences, and plays an active role in international pharmacy organizations.

5.30 pm

Doors open

6.00 pm

Session commences

8.00 pm

Session concludes

Date

March 10, 2025
5.30 pm

Cost

Free | RSVP is essential

Location

Caves Theatre, Lot 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights NSW

Access & Parking

On site parking | Wheel Chair accessible

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