Icon’s annual Doctor Day – clinical insights and future direction

The agenda included three key sessions – State of the Nation, The Future, and Career and Personal Development. These sessions brought together reflections on current healthcare trends, shared strategic vision, and professional growth opportunities alongside the importance of clinician wellbeing.

Morning Session Highlights: State of the Nation

Icon Group Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ian Irving opened the event and chaired the first session, “State of the Nation.” The session began with an address by Icon Group Chairman, Paul McClintock AO who provided a thought-provoking reflection on the future of private healthcare.

Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM, continued the momentum with an engaging update on the company’s growth vision. He emphasised the importance of Icon’s longstanding clinician-led approach to integrated care, reflecting on the key initiatives and strategic goals with an emphasis on our values, and honouring those clinicians that have made significant career contributions to advancing cancer treatment in their communities and beyond.

Icon Cancer Centre Australia and New Zealand CEO, Paul Fenton provided an overview of current and future initiatives within Icon Cancer Centre,  showcasing  recent innovation in patient care and future directions. His presentation included the expansion of survivorship and supportive care, emphasising the value of specialist nurses and support services made possible through leading patient advocacy groups like Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia, Bowel Cancer Australia, Cancer Council and Rare Cancers Australia. Paul reflected on his commitment to delivering comprehensive care and alleviating the care coordination burden still faced by cancer patients and their families across Australia.

Group Director of Cyber Security and IT Risk, Marc Reinhardt followed with an update on the importance of cybersecurity in the evolving healthcare landscape.

The morning session concluded with an Executive Panel Q&A chaired by Dr Ian Irving, featuring Mark Middleton OAM, Paul McClintock AO, and Paul Fenton. This interactive segment provided doctors with an open forum to delve deeper into the leadership perspectives shared throughout the morning. Attendees were encouraged to share their perspectives and pose questions, ensuring their insights are integrated into the strategic vision discussed throughout the morning.

Final Session: Career and Personal Development

The third session, chaired by Director of Haematology (AU/NZ),  A/Prof James Morton AM centred on career growth and resilience. Radiation Oncologist, Dr Dominique Lee presented findings from Icon’s “Beyond Resilience Doctor Survey,” and shared her personal journey and into physician wellbeing and practical strategies for sustaining resilience in demanding roles.

Managing Director of Stockwell, Mark Stockwell delivered a keynote – “Key to High Performance – Building a Successful Career and Business.” His session provided attendees with actionable advice on career development and fostering high-performance teams.

Clinical excellence and patient-centred care

Dr Ian Irving says Doctor Day reflects Icon’s commitment to clinical leadership and nurturing our ever-growing doctor network.

“Doctor Day is one of the highlights of the year and provides a genuine opportunity to connect and collaborate with our peers. It’s a chance to drive future progress in healthcare and ensure we are providing the best possible care to our patients and their families,” said Ian.