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Meet Katelyn Boettcher

Leading with purpose

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For Katelyn Boettcher, stepping into the role of Clinical Lead Radiation Therapist at the recently opened Icon Cancer Centre at St Vincent’s Northside, marks an exciting new chapter in a career defined by growth, innovation and a passion for patient care.

After four and a half years with Icon, Katelyn is now helping to launch a brand-new radiotherapy department in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, shaping the service from the ground up, and bringing treatment closer to home for patients.

A career built on care and opportunity

Healthcare always felt like the right fit for Katelyn. Her curiosity for radiation therapy was sparked by a friend already studying the profession, and upon commencing her university studies, it quickly became clear she had found the right career.

“The relationships you build with patients every day and the opportunity to support them during such a difficult time is so rewarding,” Katelyn said.

After completing her studies and an internship in Tasmania, Katelyn relocated to the United Kingdom.

In the UK, she worked across several NHS hospitals before securing a permanent Medical Dosimetrist role at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, where she gained valuable experience in treatment planning, new technologies and innovative models of care.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic brought her back to Australia in 2020. Katelyn connected with Icon, and began supporting centres with lower staffing levels during a challenging period for the healthcare sector globally.

Driving innovation

In 2021, Katelyn was appointed Senior Radiation Therapist at Icon Cancer Centre North Lakes, and then Clinical Process Improvement Senior Radiation Therapist.

In this role, she contributed to projects focused on innovation, process improvement, clinical auditing and policy development, supporting high standards of care across multiple centres.

“The work that happens in the background to support radiation therapy teams is incredible,” says Katelyn.  

“Being involved in implementing new technologies and improving processes has given me a whole new perspective on just how much collaboration goes into delivering safe, high-quality care.” 

But for Katelyn, the most important part of radiation therapy lies in the non-technical skills – transparent communication.

“Our role is highly technical, but communication is what truly makes the difference for our patients,” she says.

“Building trust, making people feel comfortable and supporting families through a difficult time is what patients remember.”

Building a culture of support

This philosophy is central to the culture she hopes to help create at the new Icon Cancer Centre St Vincent’s Northside.

As Clinical Lead Radiation Therapist, Katelyn hopes to foster an environment where both patients and team members feel supported, valued and empowered to grow.

“Being able to shape a new service, support a team to grow and provide the best care possible for patients is something really special,” said Katelyn

Icon Cancer Centre St Vincent’s Northside Site Manager, Candice Deans, says Katelyn’s leadership style is one of her greatest strengths.

“Katelyn’s natural ability to lead with empathy and compassion shines through in the way she supports both her team and her patients,” said Candice.

“Her career journey is a great example that leadership doesn’t follow a single path. I’m delighted to have her leading our team of Radiation Therapists in our new radiation oncology department at St Vincent’s Northside.”

Where passion meets purpose

Outside of work, life is busy for Katelyn. A passionate Brisbane Lions supporter, she rarely misses a home game, while much of her free time is spent outdoors with Lottie, her energetic Border Collie-Kelpie cross.

Whether it’s running, beach adventures, golf, fishing, snowboarding or travelling, staying active is a big part of who she is.

As Katelyn steps into this next chapter at Icon, she is excited about new challenges, but remains focused on what matters most – improving the experience and health outcomes for her patients.