Finding Inspiration in Cancer Research – Meet Director of Research (Medical Oncology and Haematology) Dr Craig Gedye

Following the retirement of Dr John Bashford, in July 2023 Icon proudly announced the appointment of Dr Craig Gedye as the new Group Director of Research for Medical Oncology and Haematology, marking the next chapter of growth for Icon’s research team.  

Dr Gedye brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in cancer research, making him an invaluable addition to Icon’s strong clinical leadership team. With an extensive background in both public and private hospitals in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, Dr Gedye has held key leadership roles that have significantly contributed to the advancement of cancer care globally.

Read on to learn more about Craig and how he finds daily inspiration through research and his care for patients.

The Humility of Oncology  

One of the unique aspects of oncology, according to Craig, is the need for humility and to be honest with patients about the uncertainties associated with treatment while providing the best cancer care possible.

“Many current cancer treatments are really helpful, but all of our current treatments could be better. We need to keep improving and working with our patients to find treatments that will help in any way we can.”

Contributing to best care possible through research  

The desire to improve cancer treatments and patients’ outcomes drives Craig’s focus on research. Two milestones have shaped his approach to patient care and fuelled his research work.   

The first was when he happened to be one of the first doctors in the world to prescribe pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), a groundbreaking cancer drug which today is commonly used to treat many types of cancer.

“He experienced over two years of benefit from a drug that usually works on average for just over two months.

“The results of his treatment made me focus on the idea of adaptive therapy and encouraged me to seek funding for a clinical trial. We’re now on our third funded clinical trial testing the idea of stopping and starting treatment to spread out the benefit and hopefully help people live longer.”

“I joined Icon at just the right moment, and I’m so grateful for the enormous opportunity to be part of a global, integrated oncology network,” he explained.

“I’ve come on board with a priority to understand what matters most to our patients and the doctors and healthcare professionals in our network and how we can provide more research opportunities for the people we care for. 

“Icon’s values are exceptional, and I know I’ve joined a place with endless opportunity for us to grow and innovate and ultimately deliver better care.”

Learn more: 

• About Icon’s research in our Annual Research Report here.  

• About doing research with Icon here.