Mrs Debra Lee

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.

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.