In this episode of OncoInfluencers on OncoDaily, Dr. Shushan Hovsepyan sits down with Dr. Christopher Jackson, Professor of Oncology at University of Otago, and co-lead of Cancer National Clinical Network in New Zealand, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, cancer policy, patient advocacy, and the future of oncology.
Dr. Jackson shares how patient experiences shaped his career his career and how it evolved from caring for individual patients to leading national healthcare reforms, including helping establish New Zealand’s National Cancer Agency. He discusses the importance of values-driven leadership, tackling inequities in cancer care, meaningful clinical research, and why oncology must remain focused on outcomes that truly matter to patients.
He talks about the debate around expensive cancer therapies with limited clinical benefit, the philosophy behind Common Sense Oncology and value-based cancer care. The conversation also explores mentorship, work-life compromise, and practical advice for the next generation of oncologists.