Mrs Debra Lee
Lecturer
School of Health Sciences
- Email:debra.lee@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4913 8181
Career Summary
Biography
I have worked clinically as a radiation therapist since 1985 in public and private centres in Australia. During this time I have been a part of great change and advancement in technology, treatment techniques and patient outcomes. My interest in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) developed early in my career when I was the radiation therapist involved in the training and development of the SRS program at Westmead Hospital. This peaked my interest in the vital role of contouring & documentation accuracy in successful radiation therapy treatments. Throughout my clinical career I have conducted clinical research studies in this area, that have facilitated practice change.
During the period that I have worked in industry, as a Clinical Applications Specialist for radiation therapy related products, I was involved in the VERT (Virtual Environment Radiation Therapy) implementation in Australian universities funded by a Department of Health & Aging Government grant. This has bought the technological basis of radiation therapy education to the forefront. My background knowledge of VERT is proving an invaluable tool to me as an academic in instilling the principles & importance of good radiation therapy practice in our future professionals.
As an academic, I have interest in the role of students and supervisors in the professional practice and the way students progress through this important field of study. As health professions we rely on professional practice to develop students and transition them into qualified practitioners. I am interested in the ways we can assist students and their supervisors to ensure this is a practical, equitable & successful process.
Areas of Research Interest
My major areas of research interest include: the use & development of simulation tools for assessment; accuracy of contouring in radiation therapy treatment planning; stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) & stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) techniques; reflection & communication techniques.
Teaching
I believe that above all a radiation therapist is responsible for the holistic well being of the patients in our care. As a mentor to burgeoning future professionals in this field, I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that our graduates have not only outstanding quality technical education in the field but who are also caring and compassionate individuals who understand our role in patient care. I have responsibility for curriculum development, teaching and course co-ordination of courses relating to radiation therapy clinical methods and professional practice, and oncology. I have also overseen the development of advanced practice short courses in Palliative Care, and Patient Assessment for the wider radiation therapy community.
Collaborations
The contacts I have within the radiation therapy community, not only in Australia but further afield, have been developed through many years of clinical and industry experience. My involvement in the VERT Australian Community of Practice (VACOP) has provided valuable shared resources for the use of the VERT system with our undergraduate students. Planned future collaborations with overseas VERT users are also planned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Rad Tech-Rad Ther, University of Sydney
- Diploma in Therapeutic Radiography, Royal Australasian College of Radiologists
Keywords
- Clinical Accuracy
- Communication
- Radiation Therapy
- SABR
- Simulation
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
321110 | Radiation therapy | 100 |
Professional Experience
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
9/2/2013 - 28/2/2014 | Clinical Applications Specialist | NL-Tec Australia |
10/9/2010 - 1/2/2013 | Clinical Applications Specialist | alphaXRT Australia |
1/1/2001 - 17/9/2004 | Reasearch Assistant | East Coast Medical Physics Australia |
1/9/1995 - 30/11/1999 | Senior Radiation Therapist | Radiation Oncology Institute Gosford Australia |
15/1/1986 - 25/7/1995 | Radiation Therapist | Westmead Hospital WSAHS Australia |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
MRSC3220 |
Radiation Therapy Professional Practice IIIA The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
Lecturer and Course Coordinator | 1/1/2015 - 26/6/2020 |
MRSC1210 |
Oncology in Australia The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
Lecturer and Course Coordinator | 15/5/2014 - 31/12/2016 |
MRSC3260 |
Radiation Therapy Methods IIIB School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Lecturer & Course Coordinator | 2/7/2018 - 4/12/2020 |
MRSC1201 |
Radiation Therapy Methods 1A University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
Lecturer & Course Coordinator | 15/5/2014 - 1/12/2018 |
MRSC1220 |
Radiation Therapy Professional Practice 1B The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
Lecturer & Course Coordinator | 15/5/2014 - 30/11/2018 |
MRSC3200 |
Radiation Therapy Methods IIIA The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
Lecturer and Course Coordinator | 1/1/2015 - 22/6/2018 |
MRSC3270 |
Radiation Therapy Professional Practice IIIB School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Lecturer & Course Coordinator | 2/7/2018 - 11/12/2020 |
MRSC3205 |
Radiation Therapy Methods IIIA School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Lecturer & Course Coordinator | 1/1/2018 - 16/8/2020 |
News
News • 2 Nov 2022
Collaboration key to elevating cancer care globally
The Hunter is poised to elevate the standard of cancer care around the world with the establishment of a specialised radiation oncology centre at the University of Newcastle.
Mrs Debra Lee
Position
Lecturer
School of Health Sciences
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
debra.lee@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4913 8181 |
Office
Room | HC38 |
---|---|
Building | Hunter Building |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |