Dr Katherine Francis is a medical oncologist who treats all cancer types, however has a special interest in breast, gynaecologic and genitourinary cancers.

She considers clinical trials a core aspect of delivering optimal cancer care and currently works for the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre supporting the conduct of current and future clinical trials for gynaecological cancer and for difficult to manage cancer symptoms.

Katherine is active as a cancer researcher with a second degree in Electrical Engineering and is using her skills in biostatistics and computer programming to develop ways to better evaluate and communicate to clinicians and consumers the potential harms from cancer treatments.  She is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Sydney and has developed novel tools focusing on overlooked aspects of cancer treatment side effects including lower grade but persistent or recurrent harm, and the potential for these harms to reduce adherence to recommended treatments.

She is an active member of a number of Australian Trials Groups including ANZGOG, ANZUP, BCT and TOGA, and firmly believes that optimal care be provided through collaboration and participating in a multidisciplinary and a team based model of care.