Recognising his extensive efforts in mentoring and training the next generation of researchers and health clinicians worldwide, Flinders University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan, has been honoured as an outstanding educator by a leading international body.
The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), the foremost organisation in cancer survivorship, is dedicated to improving care for people with cancer from diagnosis through to survival or end-of-life care.
The MASCC Outstanding Educator Award recognises professionals who have made significant contributions to global educational activities in supportive cancer care, and has been awarded to Professor Chan in recognition of his work over the past two years- including mentoring, training and supporting emerging experts in their field of study.
A nurse-scientist and leading international researcher in cancer care, Professor Chan has helped lay the groundwork for global collaboration and approaches on clinical care in nursing, survivorship, and palliative care by mentoring the next generation of researchers supporting survivors.
Among these mentees is Professor Nicolas Hart, an NHMRC Research Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney.
He says Professor Chans' mentorship has contributed to his global impact within MASCC and beyond (including ASCO – the worlds' leading professional organisation for oncology professionals), which led to a long-term research collaboration focused on improving outcomes for people affected by advanced or metastatic cancer.
"Professor Raymond Chan has been a standout research mentor to many across supportive care in cancer, within and beyond MASCC, including myself. Never too busy, Professor Chan has provided us with guidance and his decades of knowledge on research practices and implementation, as well as advice and mentorship regarding our career development," says Professor Hart.
"Using his experience when it comes to leading projects related to cancer survivorship, Professor Chan has guided us in developing high-impact clinical knowledge and research that has direct impacts on improving the lives of cancer survivors. He has been instrumental to my career development and research performance trajectory."
Examples include Professor Chan's significant contributions to education and mentorship across MASCC projects and thought leadership at the MASCC board level which has delivered new study programs and initiatives.
Professor Chan also co-led the establishment of trainee fellowships at the MASCC which are designed to provide education and mentorship to early- and mid-career clinicians and researchers across the organisation.
Already, this trainee fellowship program has supported over 25 people across the world, highlighting the sustained impact of his thought leadership and capability of bringing excellent ideas to life for the betterment of researchers and people affected by cancer.
Professor Chan will be presented with the honour at the annual MASCC meeting in Melbourne on 25 June.
"While I'm deeply honoured to be recognised by MASCC, this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects nominations from my students and collaborators, whom I have supported as an educator and witnessed them go on to success in their research careers, making meaningful contributions to cancer survivorship and clinical knowledge," said Professor Chan.
"This is really a reflection of the value of teamwork and cross-collaboration in improving the lives of millions of people around the world who are impacted by cancer and its treatment."
Professor Chan currently serves as Executive Member of the Board of the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer.
In 2021, he was inducted to the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher
