John will officially step away from all commitments in April 2023.
Over his long and respected career, John has made an indelible mark on the lives of his patients and their families and played a critical role in the evolution of Icon and Australia’s healthcare landscape.
John is one of the founding doctors of Icon and since the early 1990s he has played a critical role in the group’s day oncology business. He has been a driving force behind the evolution of private oncology practice, actively advocating for private clinical trials and research, and leading the way for stem cell transplantation.
In 1996, he spearheaded Medicare funding negotiations for stem cell transplantation and became the Director of the Wesley Hospital, Queensland’s Stem Cell Transplant Laboratory and Program, the only integrated private service of its kind in Australia. He also helped lead the development of the private Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Wesley which continues to help thousands of patients today.
As founding President of the Private Cancer Physicians of Australia (PCPA), John has sought to improve oncology care, while also making significant contributions to oncology education and research through the Icon Cancer Foundation. More recently, he lent his expertise to Icon’s COVID-19 response participating in groupwide Q&A sessions and advising on clinical decisions and governance daily.
Throughout his career, John’s central focus has always been his patients and their support networks. Even after retiring from clinical practice, he remained in contact with many of his patients and is genuinely invested in their lives and wellbeing.
Icon Group Medical Director, Dr Ian Irving says it’s through the heartfelt words and praise of his patients and fellow clinicians that we see the true impact he’s made on so many people.
“I had the honour of continuing John’s practice after his semi-retirement in 2017 and it’s been an absolute privilege and reward to care for his patients and hear the impact he has made in their lives,” said Dr Irving.
“On a personal note, I’m grateful for his clinical advice, mentorship, counsel, and incredible friendship. His contribution to oncology is immense and inspiring. I know there are many clinicians within the Icon network who will echo my compliments and miss his constant leadership and his passion for research.”
John joined Icon (then HOCA) in the early 1990s and was managing partner for many years. His leadership of Icon’s research arm has been constant and unwavering, and it’s thanks to him that we continue to lead the way in private clinical trials.
Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton says John’s contribution will remain part of the Icon story.
“When John talks about exceptional healthcare, he always asks how we can better serve those in our care. His dedication to people, quality and excellence exemplifies everything we value at Icon,” said Mark.
“It’s John’s deep knowledge and vision that has enabled Icon to lead the way in clinical research and play an integral part in medical developments and access to the latest treatments. We wish John every happiness in his retirement and look forward to continuing our deep clinician led care.”
We look forward to celebrating John’s career and announcing the new Co-Director of Research in the coming months.
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