Australia has a proud history of excellence in psycho-oncology care and research. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) and the Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Research Group (PoCoG) have fostered the field and ensured its place as part of multi-disciplinary cancer care. Consequently, our organisations are strong with many dedicated individuals contributing to ongoing development and excellence in the field. These Awards recognise outstanding contributions to psycho-oncology from among our members.
Melanie Price Psycho-Oncology Award
This Award recognises the highest level of contribution to psycho-oncology from amongst the membership of COSA and PoCoG. In 2019 we acknowledged our colleague, peer and good friend Melanie Price and named the Australian Psycho-Oncology Award in her honour.
Professor Gail Garvey, the 2021 Melanie Price Australian Psycho-Oncology Award recipient
Professor Gail Garvey, a Kamilaroi woman from NSW, is currently Professor Indigenous Health Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland. Prof Garvey has devoted her career to improving the health, particularly cancer, outcomes of First Nations peoples in Australia and globally. Professor Garvey has achieved significant and impactful research outputs during her career focusing predominately on the psychosocial aspects of cancer care and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and is committed to embedding research translation into her research projects to ensure research efforts will lead to positive policy and practice change..
Phyllis Butow New Investigator in Psycho-Oncology Award
This Award recognises research achievements and potential for an ongoing contribution to the discipline of psycho-oncology in Australia. In 2021 we were pleased to name the New Investigator Award in the honour of Professor Phyllis Butow in recognition of her leadership and generous mentoring of so many psycho-oncology researchers in Australia and internationally.
Dr Joanna Fardell, the 2021 Phyllis Butow New Investigator in Psycho-Oncology Award recipient
Dr Joanna Fardell is an outstanding psycho-oncology professional and researcher who demonstrates both breadth and depth of research experience spanning the translational pipeline. Dr Fardell is an emerging leader in implementing evidence-supported policy and practice change, who works tirelessly to translate her scientific work into real changes for young people affected by cancer.
For further information about these awards please contact: Dr Laura Kirsten, Laura.Kirsten@health.nsw.gov.au, Chair, COSA Psycho-Oncology Group
