Professor Michael Jefford

Professor Michael Jefford has been honoured for his contributions to survivorship care and psycho-oncology over more than two decades, taking out the IPOS Noemi Fisman Award for Lifetime Clinical Excellence.

The prize, which recognises a clinician who has devoted their career to novel initiatives that impact on the care of oncology patients and their families, was awarded in recognition of his commitment to psycho-oncology, research and education.

This included his work as medical oncologist at Peter Mac and his directorship of the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, where he has pioneered projects focused on holistic survivorship care.

Professor Jefford’s early work featured research on depression screening in oncology and palliative care settings, and he has published 280 papers and 11 book chapters focused on unmet needs and quality of life outcomes for a broad rage of survivor populations.

IPOS said his numerous roles at IPOS, COSA, MASCC, ASCO, and Cancer Council Victoria had advanced communication and shaped national policy for cancer care.

“A dedicated mentor and widely invited speaker, he has shaped global survivorship discourse and is regarded as a highly deserving candidate for the Noemi Fisman Award,” the International Psycho-Oncology Society said.

In a post on LinkedIn earlier this month, Professor Jefford said he was thrilled and honoured to accept the recognition.

“Thanks also to collaborators in psycho-oncology and supportive care for almost 30 years,” he said.

Professor Jefford was widely congratulated by colleagues online, who drew attention to his vast body of work and commitment to improving outcomes for patients.

In 2024, he was also recognised as a fellow of ASCO [link here].

The Noemi Fisman Award will be presented at this year’s IPOS Congress in Barcelona, Spain in November.

Meanwhile, post-doctoral research fellow at UTS, Dr Darren Haywood, took out the the The Hiroomi & Setsuko Kawano New Investigator Award. The prize was given in recognition of his research work on the experience of individuals affected by cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), and his investigations into how mental health difficulties are conceptualised by patients with cancer.

Other IPOS award winners included –

2026 Arthur M. Sutherland Award

• Associate Professor Wendy Lam, University of Hong Kong

For her work in research and advocacy for psycho-oncology in Hong Kong.

Bernard Fox Memorial Award

• Dr Patricia Parker, psychologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

For her work training 5,000 oncology care professionals over a 28-year career.

Jimmie Holland Memorial Award

• Elisabeth Andritsch, University of Graz University Hospital

For her 35-year career advancing psycho-oncology as an essential component of cancer care across Austria and the world.