Professor Christobel Saunders AO wins Research Australia’s Health Services Research Award

Professor Saunders is a surgeon and clinician-scientist and has been instrumental in the advancement of cancer management, nationally and internationally, for over 30 years. She was one of the first breast surgeons in Australia to practice oncoplastic/breast reconstructive surgery, and in 2001 set up the first training workshops, alongside plastic surgeons.

Reflecting on the award, Professor Saunders thanked Professor Mike McGuckin, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and Professor Shelley Dolan, Chief Executive at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, for nominating her and said: "It’s a huge honour to receive this award, and it’s thanks to a great deal of the people I’ve worked with throughout my career. From the fantastic research groups, at my previous role at the University of Western Australia, and more recently at the University of Melbourne, to the wonderful clinicians, who have not only wanted to deliver good outcomes but learn how to work better.”

“Most of all I’d like to thank the patients I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside in their cancer journey. It’s from them that I’ve had the inspiration to do the research that’s led to this award.” Professor Saunders said.

Professor Saunders holds the James Stewart Chair of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, Director of Research at the Melbourne Medical School, Board Director at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance and consultant breast surgeon at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

As the primary nominator for the award, Professor Mike McGuckin said, “It’s fantastic to see Christobel’s dedication to research and outstanding career recognised by such a prestigious award. Her commitment to improving health services for patients with cancer, and sharing this knowledge widely is admirable.”