Dr Dusan Kotasek, his life and career in medical oncology

Dr Dusan Kotasek, his life and career in medical oncology

Kevin Patterson interviews Dr Dusan Kotasek about his journey from Zlín in the former Czechoslovakia to Australia, his medical training and the path that led him into medical oncology. The episode covers his work in stem cell therapies and pivotal clinical trials (including early imatinib/GIST research), the growth of private cancer services culminating in the Tennyson Centre, and his retirement life focused on farming, gardening and planting trees.

From Timber Mill to Tumor Boards: Professor Bogda Koczwara’s Remarkable Journey

In this episode of Kevi's Cancer Chronicles, host Kevin interviews Professor Bogda Koczwara about her life from rural Poland to becoming a leader in Australian oncology. Bogda recounts her medical training at Flinders, migration to Australia, and the formative experiences that shaped her career. The conversation covers the rapid development of cancer services at Flinders Medical Centre, the creation of survivorship clinics, national leadership roles in MOGA and COSA, the ACCORD research workshop, and her current role directing the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship.

Sailing, Science, and Service: Dorothy Keeefe's Extraordinary Voyage

In this episode Dorothy Keeefe shares her life from childhood sailing in Essex to medical training and an eight-month tall-ship voyage to Australia. She discusses choosing oncology, her mucositis research, leadership in supportive cancer care, and steering major health reforms including the Australian Cancer Plan and a national lung screening program.

Forging a Cancer Centre: Ian Olver’s 40-Year Revolution in Care

Kevin interviews Professor Ian Olver about his career spanning clinical trials, supportive care, and the formation of comprehensive cancer services in South Australia, including his leadership at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and national roles. The episode explores his early influences, international training, multidisciplinary and telemedicine initiatives, global collaborations, bioethics work, and the personal faith and family life that shaped his approach to care.

From Malta to Modern Oncology: Dr Francis Parnis on Building Cancer Care in South Australia

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, wherever you're listening. Welcome to Kevi's Cancer Podcast. The initial aim of the podcast is to trace the history of cancer services in South Australia over the last 30 years, whilst interviewing and introducing some of the clinicians who have been involved in the development of these services. In this episode host Kevin interviews Dr Francis Parnas (Paz), a recently retired medical oncologist and member of the Class of ’85. Francis recounts his early life in Nigeria and Malta, migration to Australia, medical training in Adelaide and London, the choice of oncology, launching private cancer services and clinical trials, the creation of a standalone cancer centre, and his decision to retire.