Mari P Lashbrook Clinical Oncology Society of Australia 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting

Mari P Lashbrook

Mari Lashbrook, Clinical Trials and Research Manager Mari Lashbrook is a Clinical Trials and Research Unit Coordinator, at the fast-paced Clinical Trials Unit of the Riverina Cancer Care Centre, Wagga Wagga, Australia. She stands at the forefront of clinical trials in rural Australia and manages numerous patients in a fast-paced environment where she embraces the core values of the organization; integrity, patient-centred care, provision of excellence, evidence based practices, partnerships, education and clinical research. She is a Medical Scientist as well as a Registered Nurse, Remote Area Nurse (RAN) and educator. PhD research in Epidemiology has focussed on Coping and Survivorship following therapy for the prostate, breast, lung or colorectal tumour groups. Her work is leading to the development of an innovative model for assessment of coping in contemporary rural/remote regions. This is essential for managing unique ways to lessen the impact of ‘threat appraisal’ that can have devastating outcomes for those diagnosed with cancer. Throughout her career, Mari has worked in metropolitan and rural regions as an RN, and contributed to vital medical practice as a RAN in remote regions of Australia in the Northern Territory, through Arnhem Land and Central Remote regions. She has also contributed to research in the field of Medical Science in tertiary institutions. Mari has presented personally at Conferences in Australia and internationally and used technological solutions to reach rural/remote regions to broaden the understanding of unique personal issues faced by people diagnosed with cancer. Accordingly, she ensures that the future of patients is safeguarded by a dynamic approach to clinical care using contemporary, evidence-based management.