Dr Caroline Wright is the Varian Award recipient for 2023, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the radiation therapy profession. The Varian Award is presented annually to a radiation therapist who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field.
Caroline is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences at Monash University, and Director of Education for the School of Primary and Allied Health Care.
Caroline commenced her radiation therapy career in 1994 in the United Kingdom, demonstrating early on her passion for ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Caroline’s passion led her to Australia where for the past 20 years she has led Monash University’s Master of Radiation Therapy program graduating hundreds of capable new radiation therapists who have been critical to Australia’s workforce, and consistently achieving and maintaining accreditation. Since 2017, Caroline has been responsible for the design, implementation and delivery of Monash University’s Master of Advanced Radiation Therapy Practice program, the only dedicated postgraduate radiation therapy specialisation course in Australia.
Caroline continues to be actively engaged in teaching, retaining a keen interest in scholarship and research in health professions education with research interests that include online learning, simulation, work-integrated learning, advanced health care practice, professionalism and fitness to practise. Caroline continues to be involved in research both as a primary supervisor for higher research degree students and in her own interests of breast and prostate cancer, communication in cancer care, professional development and advanced treatment techniques. Caroline is also a founding member of the Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiation Research Network and is a member of the editorial review board for the Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice.
Caroline has contributed significantly to ASMIRT through her membership of the Victorian Branch Committee, Professional Accreditation and Assessment Board, membership of conference scientific committees, membership of the JMRS Editorial Review Board, participated as a mentor in the ASMIRT Mentorship Scheme, continuous contribution through presentations and workshops, and recent representation of ASMIRT at the 2023 American Society of Radiologic Technology Education Institute.
In 2018, Caroline was appointed by the Minister for Health to the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) and as part of this role Caroline sits on several MRPBA and Ahpra committees and working groups. This has included membership of the Policy Committee, Education Committee, Supervised Practice Committee and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Regulation in the Asia Pacific Region.
Caroline’s outstanding contributions to the radiation therapy profession makes her a deserving recipient of the Varian Award, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to her. Caroline presented at the Varian Award Session at ASMIRT 2024 on Friday 10 May.
