Overview
Cancer Council Victoria's Clinical Network (formerly the Victorian Cooperative Oncology Group or VCOG) was established in 1976. Membership consists of oncologists, surgeons and allied health professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to meet and promote a range of cooperative measures to optimise cancer management in Victoria.
Who does it consist of?
It involves over 600 specialist health care professionals and consists of a broad, state-wide representative committee, an executive committee and 16 cancer-site and task-specific advisory sub-committees.
The current Executive Committee Chair is Associate Professor Jeremy Millar, Radiation Oncologist at Alfred Health. The committees are supported by a team consisting of:
- Manager, Rachel Whiffen
- Projects Coordinator - Clinical Trials, Catriona Parker
- Project and Communications Officer, Esther Sadek
- Administration Officer, Lauren Howes
- Senior Clinical Consultant, Associate Professor Michael Jefford
How does it operate?
Cancer Council Victoria's Clinical Network has established 11 cancer-site sub-committees on breast, bowel, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, haemato-oncology, head & neck, lung, neuro-oncology, sarcoma, skin, and urological cancers and four advisory committees on genetics, palliative medicine, clinical research and psycho-oncology.
It's a peak multi-specialty representative oncology forum in Victoria, and has forged key links across the health care sector and with government.
As well as coordinating committee specific activities, we also manage a number of advocacy and clinical trial projects.
We initiate and contribute to the conduct of research and implementation of programs and services to optimise cancer care. Our committees also collaborate with our centres for behavioural and epidemiological research, patient education information and support services. One of the clinical network's objectives is to advise the Cancer Council on all clinical aspects of cancer and in particular, on research, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative medicine and professional education.
Members volunteer their time and expertise.
When and where does this occur?
Meetings are held at the Cancer Council Victoria, 1 Rathdowne St, Carlton. These are in the evening and occur three or four times a year depending on the committee. In addition to the meetings, we coordinate a number of forums, seminars and workshops for members and non members.
How do I become a member?
Membership is inclusive and open to health professionals with an interest in oncology. Email clinicalnetwork@cancervic.org.au or phone (03) 9635 5174 for more information.
History
Established as initally as Victorian Co-operative Oncology Group in 1976. Structured as below.
Executive Committee
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Breast Cancer Committee: Est. 1978 |
Gastrointestinal Cancer Committee: |
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Gynaecological Cancer Committee: |
Palliative Medicine Committee: |
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Lung Cancer Committee: |
Urological Cancer Committee: |
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Genetics Advisory Committee: Est. 1994 |
Skin Cancer Committee: Est. 1997 |
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Psycho-Oncology Committee: Est. 1998 |
Head & Neck Cancer Committee: Est. 1999 |
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Neuro-Oncology Committee: Est. 1999 |
Haemato-Oncology Committee: Est. 2004 |
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Sarcoma Advisory Committee: Est. 2006 |
Clinical Research Professionals: Est. 2007 |
