This Clinical Trials Day, we’re celebrating the people – and patients – behind the clinical trials happening every day at Austin Health. From the first citrus‑fuelled discovery back in 1747 to the world‑class research happening here today, clinical trials remain central to improving care, testing new treatments and changing lives. 

Across Austin Health, hundreds of clinician scientists are driving this work forward. From geriatricians and radiologists to nurses, allied health professionals, research coordinators and managers, it’s a deeply collaborative effort – supported by ethics, governance and operational teams behind the scenes. Together, they ensure research is embedded in everyday care and focused on what matters most: better outcomes for patients. 

Senior Research Radiation Therapist Jenna Dean explains the role of clinical trials in shaping patient treatment:

“Everything we do in healthcare, from the techniques we use to the doses we deliver, is guided by evidence of safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials are how we build that evidence.” 

Dr Courtney Shelton, Research Fellow with MCRU echoes the focus on safety, explaining how clinical trials help patients make informed choices about their treatments. 

“In a world where information is everywhere, it’s more important than ever that patients can rely on strong scientific evidence when making decisions about their care,” she says. 

“Clinical research helps provide that clarity, giving people the confidence to choose treatments based on what we know actually works.” 

For many staff, clinical trials are also deeply personal and patient‑focused. Clinical Trial Coordinator William Dato from MCRU is proud of the legacy he’s building. 

“I'm proud to work in clinical trials because when I get old, I can say to the younger generation that I was a part of how a medication has become available to the community with the work I did in research.” 

At a service level, clinical trials are embedded into care at Austin Health. Belinda Bardsley, Manager of N‑CRESS, describes research as central to delivering the best possible outcomes for people living with neurological conditions. 

“We firmly believe that clinical trials play a crucial role in guiding and informing best practice,” she says. 

Belinda’s passion is palpable when asked why clinical trials matter:

“I'm passionate about the role of clinical research in offering a wider range of treatment options, developing new treatments and devices, advancing our understanding of a wide range of conditions, improving outcomes, enhancing translational expertise, and arguably most importantly, offering hope.”  

Grace Tanner, Haematology Clinical Trials Coordinator, is another team member who finds her job rewarding and impactful. 

“I'm proud to work in clinical trials because it allows me to support patients during some of their most challenging times, while also contributing to emerging treatments that may shape the future of cancer care.” 

Clinical trials only happen because patients choose to take part – a contribution that is generous, courageous and essential to progress. This Clinical Trials Day, we thank them, and we recognise the many Austin Health teams whose curiosity, care and collaboration continue to take us from lemons to lives changed. 

Read more about Austin Health’s clinical trials program