The Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth inspires hope and provides the best possible care to people with pancreatic cancer. We focus on getting patients an appointment with a specialist at a convenient Epworth location in Melbourne or Geelong within days of diagnosis, not weeks.

This ground-breaking project puts 100% of the funding it receives straight into research and clinical care. What sets us apart from other organisations in Australia is our structure.

Our centre comprises of 3 distinct parts:

Clinical care

Our multidisciplinary team provides treatment and care for patients with pancreatic disease. This specialist team includes many different healthcare professionals. These professionals are centrally located within our centre and our hospital network.

Patient experience

The very best in support and education for patients and GPs. All our patients will have a pancreatic nurse coordinator to support them through their care. They’ll be able to help patients and family members navigate their diagnosis, treatment and care.

Research

The Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth centre is running research studies, and clinical trials covering every phase of patient diagnosis, treatment and care. The goal is to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Meet the team

  • 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, Research Program Manager

    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.

  • 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.

  • Lisa Miller, Clinical Data Officer

    BN (Hons), GDip (Critical Care)

    Lisa Miller is a Registered Nurse with a background in Intensive Care and General Surgical Nursing. She has a Bachelor of Nursing with Honours and completed a postgraduate diploma in Critical Care, subsequently practising as a CCRN, Clinical Resource Nurse and ICU Liaison Nurse at Epworth Richmond. Lisa supports the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre team by managing data and registries associated with research activities and remains focused on best patient outcomes.

  • Jennifer Seabourne, Clinical Research Coordinator
    Jennifer Seabourne is a trial coordinator and a graduate of Biomedical Science at Murdoch University. Following her studies, she enjoyed working in the medical research field and assisting bioengineers, surgeons, and medical officers with their research projects. Jennifer has five years of clinical trial experience and is keen to apply her skills and knowledge to support oncology studies and assist patients with pancreatic cancer access new treatment options through clinical trials.
  • Raffiela Garcia, Research 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.

  • Sue Thang, Research Assistant

    MBBS

    Sue Thang has a medical background and holds a Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS). She has clinical experience in oncology, surgery, paediatric, orthopaedic, obstetrician and gynaecology and emergency medicine. She has since developed strong interest in oncology after her clinical experience and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne.

    Sue is keen to apply both her clinical and non-clinical skills to support oncology trials and to provide hope, improve prognosis and increase treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer.

GP referral

Get referred

Once referred to the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, you will have an appointment to see one of our experienced specialists within 72 hours.
Support us

Make a donation

Your donation will go to lifesaving research and technology to provide the best in patient care, as well as contributing to saving the lives of those with this deadly disease.
Need help?

Talk to our pancreatic nurse coordinator 

Your pancreatic nurse coordinator will be your first point of contact during your treatment journey at Epworth. They will be able to provide answers to any questions that your or your family may have.
Get in touch

There’s been little improvement in outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer over the past 40 years. This is because it hasn't received the same level of research funding as many other cancers. To do better and be better when it comes to pancreatic cancer, The Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth will:

  • provide centralised care by having all the health professionals you need available at Epworth
  • ensure patients see a specialist within 72 hours of their suspected diagnosis
  • provide patients with their own pancreatic nurse coordinator who will be their point of contact throughout their care
  • provide GPs with tools and education to help identify pancreatic cancer earlier
  • create current, easy to understand information on the disease for patients and their families
  • pioneer new diagnosis and treatment options for people with pancreatic disease
  • increase the survival rate for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The Jreissati Family Pancreatic Centre at Epworth will focus on improving the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with pancreatic cancer. Our commitment to research, patient experience and clinical care will help to ensure better outcomes for patients and their families.