Meet the Expert: A/Prof Natalka Suchowerska interviewed by Dr. Vanessa Panettieri

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A/Prof Natalka Suchowerska has worked at the junction of research, the clinic and academia for close to 40 years. In medical physics her area of expertise is in the use of ionising radiation in medicine. Most recently, as Director of VectorLAB, she embarked on a research programme developing the 3D printing of PAEK scaffolds and their bio-functionalization for bone replacement.

Natalka is an awarding-winning physicist, reviewer for several prestigious international journals in the fields of Medicine and Physics, presents at international conferences and was the Scientific co-chair (Physics) of the inaugural ESTRO meets ASIA conference. Natalka has held positions on several national and international committees, including IOMP. Her team, working from the radiobiology laboratory of VectorLAB, was the first to establish three classes of bystander response following therapeutic irradiation, for which they were awarded the Roberts Prize for the best paper in Physics in Medicine and Biology.

Natalka has led and developed many successful research collaborations, secured patents and in 2016 was named in the Top 100 Women of Influence sponsored by the AFR in the category of Innovation. For 2021, A/Prof Natalka Suchowerska was honoured to be awarded the ESTRO Honorary Membership for contribution to innovation in medical physics and in realising multidisciplinary and international collaborations.

Since 2022, A/Prof Natalka Suchowerska stepped back from her clinical position and now works part time from the University of Sydney. This gives her the opportunity to become one of the founding members of the international Help Ukraine Group (HUG): a team of oncology practitioners formed to support peer professionals in Ukraine during the war by providing medical supplies, hardware/software, virtual and in-person training and educational materials. Natalka recently certified (NAATI) as an interpreter in Ukrainian/English.

Natalka has broad experience in clinical service, teaching including course development and coordination, research and development, commercialisation and professional leadership.

Learn more about Dr. Natalka Suchowerska, ACPSEM

– Prepared by Dr. Vanessa Panettieri


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