About Us - Treat Unique

Hello.

Welcome to Treat Unique – a medical, nursing and psychosocial service dedicated to the health, treatment and well being of Adolescents and Young Adults diagnosed with cancer.

At Treat Unique we are committed to delivering the highest level of professional care to the 16-25 age range. Our team understands that this is a pivotal and crucial developmental stage that requires a different approach to dealing with either paediatric or adult patients. Our team has vast experience in helping Adolescent and Young Adult patients navigate treatment whilst maintaining their independence and involvement in their ongoing life goals. We endeavour to deliver the cornerstones of good health care ; honesty, integrity, dedication and enthusiasm.

Our team are comfortable at managing many of the cancers that are diagnosed in the 16-25 age range along with providing advice regarding the late effects of therapy (i.e. infertility or early menopause, heart complications, fatigue, mental health concerns, body image challenges etc)

At Treat Unique our team will endeavour to give you the most up to date evidence based information for your condition or complications of therapy at all times. This evidence base extends beyond medicine into your psychosocial care, also. However, we will not overstate our abilities and will always refer you on to additional expert colleagues if need be.

With Treat Unique, we wanted to create an approach to the 16-25 age group that was sincere, competent but contemporary. I hope that when you make the decision to engage our team with your care you feel the genuineness of our approach.

Our Team

Rachel Conyers

Medical Lead

Dr Rachel Conyers is a paediatric, adolescent and young adult malignant haematologist/oncologist. Dr Conyers completed her medical degree at Monash University in 2003. Completing fellowships in Paediatric Oncology at The Royal Children’s Hospital (Melbourne), Bone Marrow Transplantation (Great Ormond Street Hospital, London) and Adolescent Young Adult Sarcoma (University College Hospital, London). Returning to Australia in 2010, Rachel began an Adult and Adolescent fellowship in Haematology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre whilst completing her PhD in sarcoma pharmacogenomics and genetics. In 2016 Dr Conyers was awarded a Clinician Scientist Fellowship at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (2016-2019). This research fellowship will allow her to continue her research into the genetic predisposition to chemotherapy side effects (mainly anthracycline cardiomyopathy).

Currently Rachel works as a Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at The Royal Children’s Hospital and in Adolescent and Young Adult Haematology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (VCCC) along with her role at Treat Unique, Epworth Hospital, Richmond.

Dr. Jacqueline Fleming

Paediatric and Adolescent Malignant Haematologist and Oncologist.

Dr. Fleming initially completed a Pharmacy degree at The University of Sydney in 1998 and subsequently completed her Medical degree at The University of Sydney in 2003.
She then completed fellowships in Paediatric Oncology (The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney), Paediatric and Adolescent Malignant Haematology and Oncology (University College Hospital, London) and Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation (Sydney Children’s Hospital).

Dr. Fleming commenced working as a Paediatric and Adolescent Malignant Haematologist/Oncologist at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville in 2014. Her subspecialty areas include Bone Marrow Transplantation and Malignant Haematology (Leukaemia and Lymphoma).

With her Pharmaceutical and Medical background, Dr. Fleming has a particular interest area in Pharmaceutical Oncology, especially Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacogenomics, access to expensive drugs and novel agents, which are leading to further advances in the field of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology.

Rachel Fraser

Pilates Instructor

Rachael is originally from London, England where she trained extensively in contemporary dance gaining an MA in Dance Performance. Whilst dancing, Rachael was introduced to Pilates as a method of injury prevention and rehabilitation from a young age and noticed a consistent improvement in her overall technique, posture and muscular strength/tone. In 2010 Pilates became a full time career for Rachael after gaining certification through STOTT Pilates and working across some of London’s most popular and renowned studios.

Since 2012 Rachael has been based in Melbourne gaining extensive experience working with clients of all ages and abilities in both clinical and group fitness settings. She currently works full time for KX Pilates as the State Training Manager and master trainer for the company, regularly running instructor training courses and workshops across Victoria.

Over the years Rachael has been able to see first hand the positive impact Pilates exercise has on not only physical health but mental health too. It is an exercise form that is effective, enjoyable, low impact and easily modified making it an excellent choice for Treat Unique patients.

Christina Leonardis

Social Worker

Christina Leonardis is an AASW Accredited Social Worker. Christina graduated with Honours in Social Work (2003) from RMIT University. Christina has over 14 years experience in working therapeutically with children, adolescents and young adults. Christina's professional history includes protective services work, family counselling and individual adolescent therapy, both in hospital and community based settings. Christina has had extensive experience in the provision of clinical assessment and intervention of young adults with cancer and is currently employed as a Senior Therapeutic Specialist at Take Two, a state-wide service providing support to children and young people with a history of trauma and neglect.

Christina is passionate about working with young people; her vast experience with this client cohort has helped her develop a gentle, but holistic approach, using a range of strength-based therapeutic techniques. Christina endeavours to provide authentic, developmentally appropriate support that recognises the very unique challenges and issues faced by Treat Unique patients.

Donna Gairns

Adolescent and Young Adult Nurse Co-ordinator

Donna has over 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, specialising in Haematology and Oncology nursing. Starting her career at St Vincent’s Hospital Oncology/Haematology unit She then worked in UK for 2 years at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. Donna has since worked at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for over 15 years in a variety of clinical settings giving her experience in many treatment modalities including
• Haematology and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
• The Chemotherapy Day Unit (Specialist Nurse Coordinator & Practice Development Nurse)
• Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Nurse Consultant within the Victorian & Tasmanian AYA Cancer Service at Peter Mac

Donna has completed a post graduate certificate in Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing and a post graduate certificate in Adolescent Health & Wellbeing (Oncology stream) both through the University of Melbourne.

Donna is passionate about providing specialised cancer care and improving survivorship outcomes for young people.

Dr Jacqui Bell

Patient Advocate and Mentor

Jacqui Bell was 16 when she was diagnosed with a rhabdomyosarcoma. Following 10 months of chemotherapy, several surgeries and radiotherapy, Jacqui identified the need for greater support services for the AYA population. Having first hand experience, she developed a passion for the health and wellbeing of adolescents and young people living with cancer. Jacqui is committed to improving the quality of life of those enduring the challenges of cancer as well as providing support for those who have completed their treatments.

Jacqui went on to complete her Medical degree at Monash University in 2016, as well as completing her bachelor of medical sciences with Honours. She has taken on a role as an ambassador for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, as well as an advisor for CancerAid

Getting to Treat Unique

To make an appointment with our clinic please call 03 9516 2666. Treat Unique is located at Epworth Richmond at Suite G.3, 34 Erin Street, Richmond 3121

By Car

Paid parking is available on Bridge Road and short term parking is available in surrounding residential streets. Paid undercover parking is also available at Epworth Richmond (entrance off Bridge Road)

By Tram

Travelling by public transport via Tram you will need to exit at stop number 15 on Bridge road. The two tram routes that stop at Bridge road are Number 75 (Flinders Street) or Number 48 (Collins street). It is a short walk from the tram stop to the consulting suites.

By Train

Train stations are also nearby including West Richmond Station (South Morang / Hurstbridge line).