Alesha Thai Q&A

Alesha Thai
Medical Oncologist

What are you researching in lay terms?

My research focuses on improving access to cancer care and support services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We are trying to understand barriers and co-design practical solutions to ensure all cancer patients, regardless of background, receive safe, timely, and equitable care during treatment.

What motivated you to come and work at Peter Mac?

I was drawn to Peter Mac for its strong culture of multidisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to equitable cancer care. As a clinician-researcher, it offered the ideal environment to integrate patient-centred research with high-impact clinical practice.

What drives you to achieve better outcomes for cancer patients?

I’m driven by a deep commitment to ensuring all cancer patients receive equitable, high-quality care, especially those facing systemic barriers. As a child of refugees, I’ve seen how an inequitably designed health system can impact care, which fuels my passion for creating more inclusive and accessible cancer services.

How will your research improve outcomes for cancer patients?

My research aims to identify and address the barriers faced by culturally and linguistically diverse patients during cancer treatment including improving health literacy and access to services. By co-designing practical, patient-informed solutions, it helps ensure more equitable access to care and better outcomes for all cancer patients.

What do you like most about working for Peter Mac?

What I value most about working at Peter Mac is the culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.