Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey and your current research? (ask about current research as well)  

I am a recently qualified gynecologic oncologist working at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Cancer. I completed my clinical training in Christchurch, New Zealand, in Sydney, Australia, and in Vancouver, Canada. I am also working as the first recipient of the Miller Mindell Gynecologic Oncology Research Fellowship through the GCI and OVCARE, which I am incredibly honoured to have received. In my role now, I divide my time between clinical care and research, where my main research is focused on a subtype-specific approach to the treatment of endometrial and vulvar cancers.  

Q: What got you interested in this field of research?  

I had the opportunity to observe firsthand during my clinical training the benefit patients have when receiving a personalized/subtype-specific treatment approach to cancer care. This really motivated me to be a part of the OVCARE/GCI research team, who have been leading this subtype-specific treatment approach to gynecologic cancers globally. It really is an exciting time to see we are finally moving past a one size fits all approach and moving beyond treating gynecological cancers based on the anatomical site of origin.   

Q: What has been the biggest challenge of your career? The most rewarding part of your career?  

The biggest challenge was probably the decision to move across the world! Upon completing my training, I had the opportunity to work in New Zealand and Australia, which is closer to my family, so it was a big decision to move to Vancouver.   

The most rewarding part of my career so far in terms of research has been collaborating with the multidisciplinary team here at OVCARE. I have also had the opportunity to work with international research teams on various projects. I have met some amazing people, with a wide range of expertise. It has been a great experience for me being able to work with these experts in the field when I am early in my research career. 

Q: What’s next for you and your research?  

In regards to vulvar cancer, we are developing a prospective study to follow women who have pre-cancerous lesions of the vulvar, to learn more about which women progress to cancer, as well as their risk of recurrence, based on molecular subtypes. We are also developing an international clinical trial in vulvar cancer which stratifies vulvar cancers based on HPV and p53 status, with subtype-specific treatment algorithms. We are excited about doing this work, and it is long overdue in vulvar cancer.  

Another exciting project I am working on is in endometrial cancer where we are doing a comprehensive molecular characterization of the p53abn (abnormal) subtype, which is the most lethal molecular subtype and accounts for the majority of endometrial cancer mortality. There is an urgent need for therapeutic advancements for women with these aggressive endometrial cancers, and we are hopeful that our work will discover more treatment options for these patients.  

Q: What advice to those wanting to pursue a similar career path as you?  

I would say never say no to a new opportunity, since you never know what avenues can open up for you. During my training, I was given the opportunity to work Sydney for two years, which I was initially hesitant to accept. But it was through my job in Sydney, I was able to make connections that allowed me to come to Vancouver, and working in Vancouver gave me the opportunity to apply for the Miller Mindell Fellowship. So, if a new opportunity arises, do it!  

Q: When you’re not doing research, what can others find you doing?   

I’m a keen runner and I’ve done three pandemic half marathons this year! I also enjoy hiking and making the most of the beautiful outdoors here in BC, which reminds me of home (New Zealand).