Accolade for top oncologist

INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED oncologist Professor Michael Friedlander has been awarded the Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award for his work improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.

Presented last Thursday, the award was established in 2013 in honour of the late Jeannie Ferris, a former senator for South Australia, who passed away in 2007 after a battle with ovarian cancer. The award is given in two categories: to health professionals and researchers; and those with personal experience of the disease.

Friedlander was recognised in the first category for his contributions across research, clinical practice, community education, advocacy and policy. He told The AJN it was “very gratifying” to receive the award.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised in that way by an organisation like Cancer Australia,” he said.

Friedlander has had a distinguished career as a medical oncologist, and has been involved in the field of gynaecological oncology for more than 30 years.

He said there have been a number of professional highlights, but noted especially his role in establishing the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, a collaborative clinical trials group.

“It’s gone from strength to strength and it’s been running now for about 16 years … I’m very proud of my role in that.”

He has also served as president of the International Gynaecological Cancer Society, an undertaking he said was a “great honour”, and principal investigator for the Gynaecological Oncology Group in the United States.

Friedlander is currently consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Hospital for Women and director of medical oncology at the Prince of Wales Hospital.

Cancer Australia CEO Professor Helen Zorbas lauded Friedlander’s outstanding career achievements.

“His contributions to cancer control are recognised by his peers both nationally and internationally, and his compassionate and individualised care is greatly appreciated by his patients and their carers. Professor Friedlander is an exceptional contributor and a most worthy recipient of this award,” Zorbas said.

Jeremy Ferris, son of the late Jeannie Ferris, attended the awards ceremony.

PHOEBE ROTH

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