Pancreatic cancer is the eighth most diagnosed cancer in Australia. In 2023, it was estimated that 4,506 people would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This would account for 2.7% of all cancer diagnoses in the country.

The Jreissati family knows the fear and uncertainty that follows a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Knowing the impact the disease has had on their family, the Jreissati family wants to change the patient and family experience for others. This has led to the establishment of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth. Find out about the Jreissati family story.

This ground-breaking project puts 100% of the funding it receives straight into research and clinical care. 

The patient pathway at the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth

Key pillars

What sets the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth apart from other organisations in Australia is its focus on three key pillars:

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.

Our mission

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 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.


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.

  • 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
    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.
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

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