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Bendigo Health patient John Robson is on a mission to tell fellow country people that you don’t have to travel to a metro centre to receive the best healthcare.
At the age of 60 he was given a dire cancer diagnosis and was put on a clinical trial to save his life.
Now, three years later, John’s cancer is under control and he says it’s all thanks to the research and oncology team at Bendigo Health.
“I have nothing but praise for the entire team. The quality of care was excellent, I can’t fault anything," he said.
"I’m a true country bloke, so had my only option been to travel to Melbourne to go on a clinical trial, I would’ve said no. I’m grateful I could access a clinical trial at Bendigo Health."
TrialHub, an Australian-first federal government pilot program, is working with regional Victorian hospitals including Bendigo Health to support them with what they need, such as workforce upskilling, to provide clinical trials to their community.
It’s so that people, like John, receive the same access to cutting-edge interventions as their metro counterparts.
A rising star in the Bendigo region is Dr Chloe Georgiou who was also part of John’s treating team.
She is was also TrialHub’s first early career fellow, and received mentoring by clinical trial experts at Alfred Health in Melbourne.
Bendigo Health has been offering clinical trials for two decades, but there hadn’t been a dedicated clinical trials doctor.
“To do a fellowship like this previously, I would’ve had to be based at a big academic hospital that had an oncology service and trials, this has allowed me to do the work that is usually only available in the city," Chloe said.
“There have been so many advancements in medical oncology, and the only way to do that is through clinical trials.
"There’s always a need for better and more effective, and less toxic treatments. This is what drives me."
The regional Victorian native says she’s always been passionate about growing and developing her career in the country.
“A lot of my drive to specialise in oncology comes from watching family members having to travel long distances for cancer care, and knowing that, historically, there hasn’t been great access to clinical trials for regional patients." Chloe said.
Being able to develop my skills and bring them back to a regional area is something I always wanted to do."