Professor Christobel Saunders AO appointed Research Director of the Melbourne Medical School

Having served as the interim Research Director of the Melbourne Medical School, Christobel will continue to drive the research strategy, oversee research performance and provide academic leadership of the Melbourne Medical School research portfolio.

Furthermore, Christobel will continue to work closely with the Melbourne Medical School research team to support the rollout of the School's strategic plan Advancing Medicine, which aligns with our vision to enhance the excellence and impact of research from discovery to translation.

Christobel's strong translational track record of improving patient care will ensure the School continues to build and sustain research impact. Her research and advocacy have transformed the management of breast cancer in Australia, including the use of breast MRI to screen high-risk women and listing intraoperative radiotherapy on the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Christobel is the James Stewart Chair of Surgery, Board Director at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance and consultant breast surgeon at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Please join the Department of Surgery in congratulating Christobel and wishing her continued success in this role.