Ashfaq Chauhan
Ashfaq Chauhan is an early career researcher (he received his PhD in April 2023) working at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation based at Macquarie University. He is a physiotherapist by background with training in health management and public health.
Ash’s PhD was on improving patient safety for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds with cancer and this is where his passion lies. He said, “In two to five years I’d like to be leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers, and clinicians looking to improve health and care quality outcomes for people from CALD backgrounds affected by cancer.”
Ash joined COSA in 2023 to improve his network and to stay in touch with the cancer research landscape. In his short time as a member, Ash has already attended the COSA ASM and the Survivorship Conference.
“At the ASMs, you can meet with like-minded people, connect with them and look for opportunities to collaborate to advance equity in cancer care for priority populations,” said Ash. “I reconnected with Mei Lin Yap after seeing her in the 2024 ASM debate and now we are collaborating on a project to improve the identification of people from CALD backgrounds. We worked together on a publication and applied for an incubator grant and are waiting to hear if we’re successful.”
"We are not identifying the true diversity of the population, and as a consequence we don’t know the cultural preferences of some patients. We don’t know how they want to receive care."
“The mechanisms that we’re currently using to capture demographic data do not capture the diversity of the CALD populations adequately. We ask people about their country of birth and preferred language. We are not identifying the true diversity of the population, and as a consequence we don’t know the cultural preferences of some patients. We don’t know how they want to receive care. For example, understanding cultural nuances can be particularly important around advanced care planning and delivery of person-centred end of life care.”
“COSA has provided a platform to connect with other researchers, like Nic Hart [Survivorship Group Chair] and to explore potential opportunities for collaboration.”
“Nic nominated me to help coordinate a session at this year’s ASM. Kate Bolam and I put together the ‘Caring for carers’ session. This was my first time getting involved with conference organising. I think, Kate and I were able to bring a diversity lens to the session.”
When Ash is not looking at ways to improve CALD patient care, you might find him going for hikes with his partner. He also enjoys eating and after being inspired by a colleague has started baking. He is also taking swimming lessons.
“I would like to be able to swim 50 metres with my head in the water, not on top of the water. My goal is to swim in the ocean.”
