"I have a particular interest in developing clinical trials specifically for patient populations who are often excluded from clinical trials"
Prof. Jarushka Naidoo has been a consultant medical oncologist since 2015 and specialises in lung cancer and clinical trials. “I practiced in the US for 10 years and returned to Ireland in 2020. I have a particular interest in developing clinical trials specifically for patient populations who are often excluded from clinical trials, such as those with brain metastases, the elderly, frail, for side effects of cancer treatment or for the early detection of lung cancer. I won the Irish Clinician Research Leader Award in 2020 and it has paved my way for a career as an academic oncologist and Professor of Oncology in Ireland.”
"I am comforted that while the work I do is physically and emotionally challenging, it makes a difference in the lives of many people."
Working in cancer research, but specifically in lung cancer is “extremely meaningful work” says Prof. Naidoo. “Working in this field creates opportunities for new treatments for patients with a very aggressive and common disease that leads to the majority of cancer related deaths. I am comforted that while the work I do is physically and emotionally challenging, it makes a difference in the lives of many people. It gives me a great sense of purpose and drive to know that may work has a real-life impact on others, for good. For me, my favourite part of my work and the hardest part is meeting and working with different people to make progress and constantly challenging ourselves to do better.”
Prof. Naidoo knows her research and her work is making a difference. “I have seen patients live longer and live better from taking part in clinical trials I have been a part of, and this has made a difference to their lives. My research creates new opportunities for patients to be diagnosed and treated with lung cancer.” Prof. Naidoo has received funding from the Irish Cancer Society for her research.
"I won’t stop using my voice to spread the message that lung cancer and clinical trials is an area of priority for investment, focus and innovation in cancer clinical care and research.”
Asked what she won’t stop doing for cancer patients, Prof. Naidoo says: “I won’t stop thinking, working, collaborating and being creative in order to design and implement clinical trials that create opportunities for new treatments for patients with lung cancer. I won’t stop spending my time training the brightest and best, and encouraging them to focus on this much needed area in cancer care. I won’t stop using my voice to spread the message that lung cancer and clinical trials is an area of priority for investment, focus and innovation in cancer clinical care and research.”
