April 28, 2016

Care, community and courage

Dedicated oncologist and cancer researcher honoured with doctorate.

Thirty years ago, an aspirational young oncologist named Philip Clingan made a bold decision that would change the lives of thousands of people in the Illawarra.

Rather than head for the city to continue his career, the now Professor Clingan saw an opportunity to create a world-class cancer treatment centre in a regional area: distance would not play a hand in a patient’s survival prospects.

In 1986, the Department of Medical Oncology for the Illawarra Area Health was born.

Over the next 30 years, Professor Clingan would be the region’s leading medical oncologist, establishing Cancer Care Centres in Wollongong and Nowra.

In recognition of his tireless efforts to provide better cancer treatment for regional patients and for his contribution to research, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (honoris causa) at the April graduation celebrations.

Prior to Professor Clingan’s arrival, Illawarra patients had to travel to Sydney for life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

“It is important and right that the regional areas of Australia have access to the best medical care available. We cannot aggregate all of our services to Sydney,” he said

“The regions are important, they are the driver of our economy: it is imperative that we continue to remind our politicians to remember the regional areas of Australia and support them.”

Professor Clingan said he was “humbled” the University thought his efforts worthy of the honour. His record, however, speaks for itself.

When he first started in oncology, he recalled there were many cancers that had no treatment options at all.

“There were no CT, MRI or PET scans. We have now reached a point where diseases such as melanoma and lung cancer now have new treatments that are enabling patients to live long and useful lives.

“We have seen an improvement in the survival of breast cancer by more than 30 per cent in the last 30 years, an amazing outcome."

After becoming associated with UOW about 15 years ago, Professor Clingan started research in new drug development with Professor John Bremner from the School of Chemistry and Marie Ranson from the School of Biological Sciences.

Professor Clingan is recognised for his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to the medical profession, particularly in the fields of cancer research, education and treatment.

The idea was to improve collaboration between the clinicians and the hospital system, as well bring practical problems to a research group to look for solutions.

“This resulted in the development of a new drug Deflexifol, which is now in phase 1 clinical trial, with more than 25 patients enrolled,” Professor Clingan said.

“It is a good example of translational research and co-operation between clinicians and researchers.”

Above all, Professor Clingan said the method of care and innovations in treatment should focus on the patient and their wellbeing.

“We should always treat them as a patient and always remember that recognition of their humanity is the most important gift we can give.”

Professor Alison Jones, Executive Dean of the Faculty Of Science, Medicine And Health, said Professor Clingan was a highly talented, dedicated oncologist and cancer researcher who has made substantial contributions to the people of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and an outstanding national and international contribution to cancer research.

“His skills and expertise as an oncologist have saved countless lives and his significant contributions to cancer research have set the standard for treatment regimes around the world for colon, breast and lung cancer.”

Throughout his ongoing relationship with UOW, Professor Clingan played an important role in the establishment of the Graduate School of Medicine and continues to be actively involved in the University’s postgraduate medical teaching program.

His research into the development of new cancer treatment protocols continues, in collaboration with researchers at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute.

In 2012 he was recognised for his significant achievements and contributions by being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for ‘service to medicine, particularly in the field of oncology, to medical education, and to professional organisations’.

During his Occasional Address at the April graduation celebration, he paid tribute his family’s unwavering support and urged students in medicine to ask questions of their mentors, of themselves, of the patients and of the disease.

“At times you feel that you are making no impact and no difference and you will wonder whether or all the hard work that you have been doing is worthwhile.

“Remember to take a step back. Look at what you have achieved. Look at what we have achieved in Australia and what can be achieved when we bring bright minds together.

“Continue to work hard and have wonderful new ideas. Our nation and our communities will only gain from your brilliance.”

Photo Gallery: April Graduation Day 3