The Interview with: Libby Wilson - BCNA’s new Health Professional Engagement Coordinator

Libby’s background as a radiation therapist brings to our Information and Support team a deeper perspective, knowledge and experience of working in the clinical setting.

Libby has worked as a radiation therapist for just over four years, privately in New Zealand and most recently at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

Originally from Tauranga New Zealand, she relocated to Melbourne in July last year. She studied a Bachelor of Radiation Therapy at the University of Otago, New Zealand.

Libby says she is keen to expand her horizons and learn more about the bigger picture aspect of cancer care.

She says she is looking forward to meeting many of you as part of our engagement with health professionals across Australia caring for and treating people with breast cancer.

This article is part of our 'Interview with a health professional' series.

What led to your decision to study radiation therapy?

I always knew from when I was young that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. I didn’t exactly know what that would look like until I heard about the radiation therapy program during my first year of health sciences at the University of Otago. The combination of patient care and technology drew me in, and I loved that radiation therapy is an ever-evolving field with new technology being developed for the sole purpose of helping those with cancer. Like so many who choose to work in the cancer sector, personal experience of loved ones going through cancer treatment often adds a drive to want to give back where you can.

Then you moved into clinical practice. Did being a radiation therapist meet your expectations? Was it the fulfilling career you hoped it would be?

Throughout my training I completed many months of clinical placement, so I definitely knew what to expect. The connections you build with patients absolutely makes for a fulfilling career. Often patients undergoing radiation therapy will receive daily treatment for 1 to up to 6 weeks. Although the appointments are short, the rapport you can develop with people during a particularly vulnerable time, and therefore the support you can offer, can be really special.

You must have treated many people, there must have been many rewards. Is there any one person or day that stands out? And why?

There are so many it is really hard to say! Working with patients who had to travel to either Australia or New Zealand for their treatment from pacific islands was an incredibly rewarding experience. Being able to support patients who are away from their home, family and friends, often with a language barrier, is incredibly rewarding, and also humbling. It is of course such a huge team effort, but it was so wonderful to be able to play a very small part in bridging the gaps of treatment inequity.

Being able to support patients who are away from their home, family and friends, often with a language barrier, is incredibly rewarding, and also humbling.

Libby Wilson , BCNA Health Professional Engagement Coordinator

What attracted you to BCNA?

I have seen firsthand the impact that the right support, at the right time, can have. I feel particularly passionate about patients being equipped, empowered and supported to take control of their healthcare. I think that aligns pretty well with BCNA’s impact. I am certainly not closing the door on radiation therapy – more trying to push myself to try something new and expand my horizons! As an allied health worker, I would love to try and increase BCNA’s presence amongst the allied health community and learn more about how BCNA can best help them, help their patients.

What advice would you give to a radiation therapist just starting out?

I would have to repeat the best piece of advice I received as a student! That was to always remember the person behind the patient. I think that quite simply summarises that patient-centred care is key, and treating people respectfully as diverse individuals is so important – which again, aligns nicely with BCNA’s mission!

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