Unveiling the power of empathy: Gilead joins oncologists in bridging the gap

Pharma News: In an event that showcased the cutting-edge advancements in cancer treatment, the Private Cancer Physicians of Australia (PCPA) joined forces with GenesisCare, their Strategic Alliance Partner, to successfully launch the inaugural PCPA Live Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) Masterclass. This event witnessed healthcare leaders from Gilead Australia immerse themselves in the daily life of breast cancer patients undergoing complex treatments, providing a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the challenges faced by patients and their MDT teams.

Under the esteemed guidance of PCPA Board member and renowned GenesisCare Medical Oncologist, Professor Stephen Clarke, alongside esteemed colleagues Dr Katrina Moore and Dr Sally Baron-Hay, more than 15 industry leaders in cancer care came together at the North Shore Campus in Sydney. This facility, which encompasses both GenesisCare and the prestigious Royal North Shore Hospital, served as the perfect setting for the interactive Masterclass.

Participants were fully immersed in the on-site application of surgical interventions, state-of-the-art genomic profiling techniques, and groundbreaking medical and radiation oncology treatments. Through a series of curated lectures, they gained invaluable knowledge from leading experts in the field. But what truly set this event apart was the hands-on experience they gained by engaging directly with Breast Cancer MDTs. From shadowing radiation oncologists in clinics to observing the intricate workings of a hospital pharmacy and a bustling chemotherapy day suite, the participants delved deep into the world of cancer treatment.

Furthermore, the attendees had the unique opportunity to learn insider tips about the use of oncology cold caps, a hair preservation technique often chosen by patients to mitigate hair loss during treatment. The immersive experience aimed to bridge the gap between pharmaceutical leaders who focus on the development and market access of new cancer therapies and the real-life experiences of Australian patients undergoing these tests and treatments.

“Physically joining the journey of a cancer patient, and their respective team of cancer clinicians and breast care nurses, not only deepens the empathy and appreciation of the daily challenges facing our patients but it ultimately leads to more effective collaboration between all of us, in this delicately balanced cancer care ecosystem,” Professor Clarke explained.

Lisa Perry, Senior Business Unit Director Oncology at Gilead, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Our team now has an exponentially better understanding of the full breast cancer patient experience because we have seen, first-hand, the multidisciplinary team approach across both campuses,” Ms Perry said. “We can’t thank the PCPA enough for this immersive experience that will, no doubt, help us to deliver better outcomes for patients.”

The PCPA also extended its appreciation to ScienceToLife, their esteemed Education Partners, for their exceptional design and seamless delivery of this unique education initiative. This bespoke MDT Masterclass emphasised the critical importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in providing gold standard treatment for breast cancer patients, further elevating the standards of care in world-class cancer care centres.

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