ANZCHOG would like to congratulate Professor Richard Cohn (AM), who has been recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Professor Cohn, an oncologist and haematologist at Sydney Children’s Hospital (Randwick) has been awarded the honorary member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to paediatric cancer medicine, and to professional organisations.
ANZCHOG has been one of the many professional organisations that has benefited from Professor Cohn’s leadership and experience. He was Chair for ANZCHOG’s Late Effects/ Survivorship Group for over 9 years (2011-2020). This Group has representatives from all children’s cancer centres in Australian and New Zealand who actively care for children who have survived their cancer diagnosis but face ongoing issues from their cancer and their treatment. Importantly, Professor Cohn has been instrumental in driving a range of national research projects exploring ways to improve ongoing care provided to these children in the Australian and New Zealand context. His collaborative and inclusive approach facilitated engagement from a national perspective, and in doing so, established a strong network of health professionals with a shared vision and promoted learning across centres.
Professor Cohn has been caring for children at the Kid’s Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital (Randwick) for over two decades, becoming one of the country’s leading experts in cancer survivorship. In 2001, he established the Behavioural Sciences Unit (BSU), which has grown to become the largest research-dedicated psychosocial paediatric oncology program in Australia.
‘I am thrilled and honoured. It has been a marvellous journey, with exceptional colleagues and a family who have been very supportive of my career, so I have been very fortunate.‘
Professor Cohn AM
Professor Cohn has also participated in a number of national and international organisations, ensuring that the Australian paediatric oncology perspective is represented. He has been involved in several publications arising from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group, developing clinical recommendations for specific cohorts of cancer survivors, and has had a vital role in disseminating the latest research and clinical guidelines in the survivorship arena throughout Australia and New Zealand, ensuring that our children receive the best evidence-based care.
It is not the first time that Professor Cohn’s work has been recognised. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Ashleigh Moore Award at the annual Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s Survivorship Group conference. The accolade is named after the inspiring pioneer of cancer advocacy, the late Ashleigh Moore OAM.
ANZCHOG news:
