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CELEBRATING DR JOHN BASHFORD

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RADIATION MEDICINE

RADIATION MEDICINE

It is with warm wishes but a heavy heart that we say farewell to Dr John Bashford, Icon Group’s Director of Research who announced his retirement in early 2023.

Dedicated and visionary

John is one of the founding doctors of Icon and since the early 1990s he has played a critical role in the group’s day oncology business. He has been a driving force behind the evolution of private oncology practice, actively advocating for private clinical trials and research, and leading the way for stem cell transplantation.

In 1996, he spearheaded Medicare funding negotiations for stem cell transplantation and became the Director of the Wesley Hospital (Queensland) Stem Cell Transplant Laboratory and Program, the only integrated private service of its kind in Australia. He also helped lead the development of the private Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Wesley which continues to help thousands of patients today.

As founding President of the Private Cancer Physicians of Australia (PCPA), John has sought to improve oncology care, while also making significant contributions to oncology education and research through the Icon Cancer Foundation. His advocacy saw him represent peak organisations – PCPA, MOGA (Medical Oncology Group of Australia), HSANZ (Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand), and COSA (Clinical Oncology Society of Australia) and lead negotiations with the Australian Government on chemotherapy supply reforms.

Throughout his decorated career, John has held several leadership positions including Chairman, Board of the Wesley Clinic Research Centre, Board Director of PCPA, and Board Chair of Icon Cancer Foundation. He has also been a member of significant clinical advisory boards including Mozobil for preparation of a successful PBS submission in bone marrow stem cell transplantation, Ibrutinib for PBS submission for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, Darzalex Advisory Board for treatment of multiple myeloma, MOGA Advisory Committee on PBS matters and Member Implementation Liaison Groups for Medicare Benefits Review – Medical Oncology.

John has created a lasting legacy and his significant contribution has improved patient care. It’s his deep knowledge and vision that has enabled Icon to lead the way in clinical research and play an integral part in medical developments and access to the latest treatments.

“I had the honour of continuing John’s practice after his semi-retirement in 2017 and it’s been an absolute privilege and reward to care for his patients and hear the impact he has made in their lives. On a personal note, I’m grateful for his clinical advice, mentorship, counsel, and incredible friendship. His contribution to oncology is immense and inspiring. I know there are many clinicians within the Icon network who will echo my compliments and miss his constant leadership and his passion for research.” - Icon Group Chief Medical Director, Dr Ian Irving

Care for patients and families

John’s central focus has always been his patients. When John talks about exceptional healthcare, he asks how we can better serve those in our care.

Even after retiring from clinical practice, he remained in contact with many of his patients and is genuinely invested in their lives and wellbeing. It’s through the heartfelt words and praise from his patients that we see the true impact he has made on so many people.

Over his long and respected career, John has made an indelible mark on the lives of his patients and their families and played a critical role in the evolution of Icon and Australia’s healthcare landscape.

His care, dedication to people and excellence is a shining example of exceptional clinical care. We wish John all the very best in this next phase of life as he enjoys quality time with his loving family.

“When John talks about exceptional healthcare, he always asks how we can better serve those in our care. His dedication to people, quality and excellence exemplifies everything we value at Icon. Personally, I can’t begin to thank John enough for his wise counsel and stead hand, particularly as we faced down the pandemic. Cometh the hour, cometh the man and this was one of John’s finest hours as a clinician and a leader.”

- Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM

In my 25 years working in oncology clinical trials, I have had the privilege of working with some of the best doctors in Australia and the UK, but working for Dr John Bashford was without a doubt, one of the finest. As Group Director of Research, he led our team clinically with dedication, commitment, vision, and passion. His door was always open to any of us. He leaves an incredible legacy that will remain within the research team for many years, and he will be missed immensely. Thank you, John for your unwavering commitment to our patients.”

- Icon Group Executive Manager – Research, Sophie Mepham

“John will be greatly missed both at an organisational level but also for many clinicians at Icon on a personal level. The outstanding quality about John was that at the end of the day his decision would always be of benefit not only as a clinician personally, but to the organisation and the people he represented. Rationality and doing what was right and proper for John would always win over passion and emotion. This attribute for me defines leadership. Over these last 35 years I have developed enormous respect for John, but I believe we have also become good friends. Friends are the relatives one chooses themselves, and I have chosen well. All I can do is thank John from the bottom of my heart for everything he had done and achieved for us and to wish him and his family a long, happy, and healthy retirement.”

- Dr Paul Eliadis AM

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