Evidence and outcomes – implementing nurse-led survivorship models

A/Prof Mahesh Iddawela

Mahesh is a medical oncologist at Peninsula and Alfred Health specialising in cancer survivorship, health services research, treating genitourinary, breast, and gynaecological cancer patients. He has recently been appointed as Head of Oncology at Peninsula Health.

He completed medical school in London and oncology training in Cambridge, where he worked as a consultant and completed a PhD on breast cancer biomarkers. Mahesh established the Gippsland cancer survivorship program at Latrobe Regional Hospital, providing post-treatment providing support after cancer treatments to many patients in the region.

Ms Nella Combe

Project Manager, Engagement, ACSC

Nella is a cancer nurse with over 18 years of experience across oncology, haematology, bone marrow transplant, clinical trials and nursing education. Nella holds postgraduate qualifications in cancer nursing and has held leadership and advocacy roles within the not-for profit sector. Nella currently works as Project Manager at the ACSC and practices clinically as a myeloma clinical nurse consultant at Peter Mac where she has been involved in setting up nurse-led survivorship clinics.

Ms Ms Tracey Mander

Operations & Projects Lead, ACSC

Tracey has a clinical background in nursing in haematology, oncology and palliative care, with post graduate qualifications in health administration, leadership and oncology. She brings extensive experience in Victorian public health initiatives across cancer, palliative care and advance care planning. Throughout her career Tracey has held clinical, management, government policy and project roles in acute and community health in Victoria and South Australia. Tracey is a member of COSA, MASCC, CNSA and former Chair of the CNSA Victorian Executive group.

Gemma McErlean

Director - Research, Centre for Applied Nursing Research - South West Sydney Local Health District

Gemma is a registered nurse with an eighteen-year career in cancer-related health care and education. This includes experience in providing direct patient care, clinical research, evidence-based practice, quality management, service improvement, project management, medical writing, and teaching and education. She has undertaken extensive postgraduate study.

Gemma has extensive experience in research and in leading and working collaboratively with expert cancer groups for two state government agencies, and worked as Project Lead for one of the most research productive projects undertaken by the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) – the Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Network. 

Catherine Paterson

Prof Catherine Paterson is a Professor of Cancer Nursing at Flinders University and the Central Adelaide Health Network. Prof Paterson Co-Chairs the Cancer Survivorship Program at Flinders University.

Prof Paterson is a national and internationally recognised as a researcher, clinician, supervisor, and teacher in cancer care. Her program of work addresses complex unmet needs of people affected by cancer and deliver innovative real-world solutions. Prof Paterson has published >151 peer review publications, and recently, was listed in the top 2% of scientists globally in 2024 in the 6th annual Standford-Elsevier standardized citation index (published: Oct 2024). 

Meg Rynderman, OAM

Meg is a wife, mother and grandmother and cancer survivor who brings her personal experience of survivorship care to her role as a dedicated consumer advocate. She volunteers her time with the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre and Cancer Council Victoria’s Cancer Connect program. Meg was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her exceptional service to people living with cancer and the community.