Professor Robert J S Thomas, OAM

Professor Robert J S Thomas, OAM is the Chief Cancer Advisor to the Victorian Government which has responsibility for the translational research agenda and funding for cancer research in Victoria. Professor Thomas is passionate about cancer reform, working to provide all Victorians with the benefits of multidisciplinary care, appropriate psychosocial support for cancer patients and carers and access to the best translational research. Professor Thomas holds positions on many government cancer-related committees and brings a wealth of experience as both a cancer surgeon and researcher. Previously, he held the position of Chief Cancer Advisor to the Department of Health and Distinguished Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He has been heavily involved in the development of cancer reforms within Australia, serving as President of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia, Chair of the National Committee creating the Colorectal Cancer Guidelines, and a member of the Ministerial Taskforce on Cancer. He was instrumental in the development of the discipline of Surgical Oncology in Australasia and was responsible for the creation of the Surgical Oncology Group within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He is a past Editor-in-Chief of the ANZ Journal of Surgery, and has served as Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council panels. Professor Thomas has ongoing research interests in the molecular pathology of gastrointestinal tumors. Professor Thomas has published over 100 peer reviewed scientific papers and book chapters. He has been honored by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons with the Excellence in Surgery Award. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Melbourne and trained in surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, as well as in England and Boston. After graduating he commenced surgical practice at the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he also taught medical students.