Melanoma Dinner

Tom Avezaat

Melanoma Cancer Nurse Consultant, Royal Adelaide Hospital/ The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Tom is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of clinical experience, beginning his nursing career in the Netherlands where he trained and initially worked in trauma nursing before relocating to Australia approximately 10 years ago transitioning into the Oncology and Haematology space.

Since then, Tom has worked across a range of clinical settings including the inpatient ward, infusion centre and clinical trials undertaking a variety of clinical and leadership roles. During this time, he became involved in melanoma care, and he currently works as a Melanoma Nurse Consultant at TQEH while also maintaining a clinical role in the inpatient Oncology and Haematology Unit at Calvary North Adelaide. 

Tom has a particular interest in immunotherapy related toxicities and symptom management and is passionate about enhancing patient experiences and outcomes through effective coordination and multidisciplinary collaborations. 

Associate Professor Rachel Roberts-Thomson

Specialist in Melanoma, Lung and Gastrointestinal Cancers, TQEH / Cancer Care Adelaide

Associate Professor Rachel Roberts-Thomson, is an experienced Medical Oncologist with more than 15 years of expertise, specialising in melanoma and lung cancer. Dr Roberts-Thomson is a graduate of the University of Adelaide and completed her specialist oncology training in Ireland and Melbourne before returning to Adelaide in 2011. She is a leader in the field of immunotherapy, a principal investigator on numerous clinical trials, and an active educator and mentor for future oncology specialists. Above all, Dr Roberts-Thomson is driven by a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her patients and ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.

Dr Jenny Roy

Plastics and Reconstructive Surgeon, Royal Adelaide Hospital / Adeliade Plastic Surgery

Dr Jenny Roy, is a specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Adelaide Plastic Surgery and the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Since becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2018, Dr Roy has developed particular expertise in melanoma and skin cancer surgery, as well as head and neck reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, facial trauma, facial aesthetic and body-contouring surgery. A recipient of the prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship, she undertook advanced training at leading institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Dr Roy is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and contributes to a comprehensive 24/7 emergency plastic surgery service in South Australia.

Nicole Sullivan

Melanoma Cancer Nurse Consultant, Royal Adelaide Hospital/ The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

With 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Nicole has spent the past 16 years specializing in oncology. Throughout her career, she has been privileged to work across a range of leadership and management positions, including Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) and Nurse Consultant (NC) roles. Her oncology experience spans medical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of cancer care across the patient journey.

Prior to returning to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2010, she worked in the private healthcare sector, where I developed strong surgical nursing expertise, that continue to complement her oncology practice today.

Since November 2024, she has been working as a Melanoma Institute of Australia Melanoma Nurse Consultant, supporting patients and families through complex cancer journeys. She is proud to have recently secured a further three-year contract through the McGrath Foundation, allowing her to continue providing specialist nursing care, advocacy, education, care coordination and support to people living with high-risk melanoma.