The Oncology Journal Club hosts break from their usual format to discuss the impact of political shifts on diversity, equity and inclusion in cancer research and treatment worldwide.
- Recent political developments threaten progress in cancer research, particularly through attacks on the NIH, CDC and other scientific institutions
- Evidence shows that diversity in healthcare leadership leads to better patient outcomes and financial performance
- Censorship of scientific language related to gender and equity raises serious concerns about academic freedom
- DEI initiatives aren’t just political—they are clinical; with evidence that they save lives, with examples from bowel cancer treatment in New Zealand
- Representation in medical fields matters for patient engagement, with data showing improved outcomes when clinicians reflect the communities they serve
- Regional cancer centres can match metropolitan survival rates through targeted funding and research, saving approximately 90 lives annually in one Australian community
The hosts encourage colleagues to speak up where possible while supporting those who cannot due to political pressures.
Please share your thoughts with us via social media or email. We’d love to hear your feedback on this important discussion.
The Oncology Podcast – An Australian Oncology Perspective
About The Oncology Journal Club:
We have taken an old concept and updated it with a new format. In each episode, a team of expert contributors will review topical journal papers and interview special guests who are leaders in their fields to help keep you informed of the latest developments on the go.
We hope you enjoy listening and find this a valuable and entertaining resource.
PAPERS:
Craig:
These Words Are Disappearing in the new Trump Administration. The New York Times. March 7, 2025. Access online here.
“Trump 2.0: an assault on science anywhere is an assault on science everywhere”. Nature. Editorial. 25 February 2025. Access online here.
Yabroff KR, et al. An essential goal within reach: attaining diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Journal of the National Cancer Institute journals. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2023 Oct 9;115(10):1115-1120. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djad177. PMID: 37806780. Access online here.
Kate:
Guerra P, De Maio F, Streed CG Jr. Facing Political Attacks on Medical Education – The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Medicine. N Engl J Med. 2025 Feb 12. doi: 10.1056/NEJMp2500489. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39938115. Access online here.
American chaos: standing up for health and medicine. The Lancet. 2025 Feb 8;405(10477):439. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00237-5. PMID: 39922658. Access online here.
Bibbins-Domingo K, et al. Reaffirming the JAMA Network Commitment to the Health of Patients and the Public. JAMA. 2025 Feb 20. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.2405. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39977264. Access online here.
Jasper Jolly. British pharma company GSK pauses diversity work citing Trump orders. The Guardian. Sat 1 Mar 2025. Access online here.
CJ:
| Report. Access online here.
Crampton, Peter, Weaver, Naomi, Howard, Andrea. (2012). Holding a mirror to society? The sociodemographic characteristics of the University of Otago’s health professional students. The New Zealand Medical Journal. 125. 12-28. Access online here.
TEAM:
Craig Underhill
Professor Craig Underhill
Professor Craig Underhill completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1987 at Melbourne University. He completed medical oncology training in Melbourne and worked as the Senior Clinical Research Registrar at Guy’s Hospital, London.
In 1998 arrived in Albury-Wodonga and established a medical oncology practice and clinical trials unit which has developed expertise and infrastructure to ensure the initiation of high quality trials. The research Unit lead by Dr Underhill has twice been awarded NSW Premier’s Award for Innovation in Cancer Clinical Trials, the inaugural award in 2009 and then again in 2012.
Dr Underhill is the VCCC Regional Oncology Lead and advocates for the increased access to clinical trials for regional Victorians and leads the VCCC teletrials program.
You can find Craig on X/Twitter here: @CraigUnderhill
Kate Clarke
Dr. Kate Clarke
Dr Kate Clarke (MBChB (Otago), FRACP) is a proud New Zealander with a real love for beautiful Aotearoa. Dr Clarke continues to work at being Tangata Tiriti. Much of her research and patient advocacy has an equity focus. Dr Clarke is grateful to her patients, students, whanau and colleagues for the knowledge and awhi they share. Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini.
Dr Clarke completed her medical training in Otago, Wellington and London. She has a holistic approach and is passionate about patient-centred care, and believes patients can and should play an active role in their healthcare. Her clinical experience covers a broad range of solid tumour malignancies with special clinical interest in colorectal cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancers and breast cancer.
Chris ‘CJ’ Jackson
Professor Christopher Jackson
Chris Jackson is Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Otago, Dunedin, and a medical oncologist at Dunedin Hospital and Mercy Cancer Care. He specialises in GI cancers and melanoma, teaches medical students and specialists-in-training, and is heavily involved in both national and international cancer policy, leadership and research.
He was previously the medical director of the Cancer Society of NZ, and his advocacy led to the funding of new cancer drugs, to the development of a new national cancer plan, and to the birth of the national cancer agency Te Aho o Te Kahu. He currently chairs the agency’s clinical committee and serves on the advisory board. In addition, he is on the programme board of the International Cancer Benchmarking Project, and is a founding member of the Common Sense Oncology movement.
Chris is a self-confessed Radiohead tragic, and recent convert to Crossfit (even though you didn’t ask).
Connect with CJ on X/Twitter: @drkiwicj
PRODUCER:
Rachael Babin
Rachael Babin is Host of The Oncology Podcast, Editor-in-Chief of The Oncology Newsletter, and Publisher of Oncology News Australia and The Oncology Network.
With a background in oncology communications and academic publishing, Rachael is happiest sitting behind the mic chatting to interesting people about the impact their work makes in oncology.
Connect on Twitter: @OncologyNewsAus
