A/Prof Andrew Metz, Centre Director

MBBS, FRACP

A/Prof Andrew Metz is a gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist. Dr Metz underwent gastroenterology training at the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he graduated with honours. He then spent two years in Sydney doing a fellowship in Therapeutic Endoscopy, where he focused on endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic mucosal resection. His main research interests are the genetics of bowel and pancreatic disease, and novel endoscopic treatments. He is the Director of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, Director of Endoscopy at Royal Melbourne Hospital, and was previously Director of Endoscopy at Cambridge University Hospitals, UK.

Caroline Le, Centre Deputy Director

BSc, BPharmSci (Hons), PhD

Caroline Le is a clinical researcher with a background in cancer biology and pharmacology. She specialises in research translation and research strategy. Caroline completed her PhD and postdoctoral fellowship at Monash University where her pre-clinical research looking into the effects of chronic stress on cancer spread was translated into a phase II clinical trial at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Caroline is an Alumna of the Australian American Young Leadership Dialog as well as the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

Jo-Anne Crowther, Pancreatic Nurse Coordinator

BSc, GCertNg (Cncr&PallCare), GDipHA, CertFrontlineMgt

Jo-Anne Crowther is an experienced oncology nurse and nurse leader. She has a Bachelor in Science Nursing and completed postgraduate studies in Cancer and Palliative Care Nursing at RMIT. She has a qualification in Breast Cancer Nursing as well as a Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Administration from Latrobe University and a Cert IV and Diploma in Frontline Management. Jo-Anne has clinical experience in medical and radiation oncology in both the public and private health sectors. She also was instrumental in the development of the inpatient Palliative Care Unit for Eastern Health. Her passion is supportive care for oncology patients where she can guide, support and coordinate the care for her patients and their caregivers.

Lisa Miller, Pancreatic Nurse Specialist

BN (Hons), GDip Critical Care, GCert Cancer Nursing

Lisa Miller has broad nursing expertise and is a clinical nurse leader. She has specialisation in general surgical, critical care and oncology nursing with post graduate qualifications. Lisa is passionate about best patient outcomes, coordinated and holistic care for patients and families as well as fostering professional development of self and others. Lisa currently supports the Jreissati Centre at Epworth as a Pancreatic Specialist Nurse supporting patients across Epworth Freemasons and Epworth Richmond.

Peter Tregenza, Pancreatic Nurse Specialist

BN/BPARA

Peter is a registered nurse with a background in oncology, haematology and palliative care nursing. Peter has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and has completed specialised courses focusing on immuno-oncology, cancer genomics and precision oncology. He has experience working as an Associate Nurse Unit Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Peter currently supports the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth as a Pancreatic Specialist Nurse based at Epworth Geelong. Peter is committed to providing education and support, with a strong emphasis on mental health, to all patients and their families.

Rachel Voshege, Pancreatic Nurse Specialist

BN, GCert Apheresis Nursing

Rachel Voshege is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences nursing from Deakin University. She has extensive oncology experience spanning more than 20 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  Along with her role as a Pancreatic Specialist Nurse with the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, providing education and support to both patients and families, Rachel works at Epworth Eastern Day Oncology Unit treating and educating patients while receiving treatment. Rachel is passionate about providing compassionate, supportive and high-quality care to her patients throughout their oncology journey.

Alishiya Murali, Clinical Research Coordinator

BSc, MBiomedSc

Alishiya Murali is a researcher with an interest in Immunology. She completed a Masters in Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne, following which she worked in academic research and clinical pathology. Alishiya was awarded the 2021 Jo Curzon-Siggers Pancreatic Cancer Scholarship at Epworth which has enabled her to complete a Certificate IV in Project Management. Alishiya prides herself on her kind and empathetic manner and patient-first approach to research.

Sue Thang, Clinical Research Coordinator

MBBS, MPH

Sue Thang has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Sue has clinical experience in oncology, surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and emergency medicine. Sue completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne. 

Ashleigh Poh, Research Project Manager

BSc (Hons), PhD

Ashleigh is a project manager with more than ten years of experience in medical research. After completing a PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute at The University of Melbourne, Ashleigh pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute where she discovered and characterised a novel drug target for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Ashleigh now manages research studies at the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth. She is passionate about advancing innovative treatments to drive better outcomes for pancreatic cancer.

Raffiela Garcia, Research and Clinical Trials Assistant

BSc, MBiotech

Raffiela Garcia is a research assistant with a background in biochemistry. She graduated from Monash University with a Master of Biotechnology, subsequently entering the clinical research field where she assisted with trial conduct in multiple disciplines. Raffiela is passionate about clinical trials and the opportunity to bring new oncology research directly to patients.

Halina M Pietrzak, Research and Clinical Trials Assistant

BSc (Hons), PhD

Halina is a trained research scientist with nine years of wet-laboratory experience. Halina completed a PhD in 2022, investigating immune responses to neglected infectious diseases. With a strong background in medical research, Halina joined the Jreissati team to gain experience in clinical research in a hospital setting and better understand how advances made in the laboratory can be directly translated for use in patients. Halina has a strong interest in learning more about the human immune system in the context of cancer and has been enjoying this new challenge, valuing the opportunity to provide support to patients with pancreatic cancer at the same time.

Rebekah De Losa, Data Officer

BHlthSc

Rebekah completed an undergraduate degree in Health Science and gained experience working directly with patients as a respiratory scientist. Rebekah is currently studying a Master of Data Science and supports the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth with database management and reporting. Rebekah is particularly interested in a patient-focused approach to data management and enhancing quality of care in health services through innovation.

Jane El Khoury, Administration Officer

Jane offers administrative support to all patients and the clinical and research teams of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth. She has an extensive customer service background and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to all of our patients.

Heather Maynier, Donor Relations Manager

Heather is the Donor Relations Manager at the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre, working closely with Centre clinicians, nurses, and researchers committed to transforming the landscape of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment. We know that for many people impacted by pancreatic cancer, there is a desire to make a difference and improve the outcomes for those impacted by this disease in the future. And that is why many people make donations to the Centre. The community is helping us explore new and better ways to treat this disease. If you would like to learn how you can donate and make a difference, contact Heather today.