Rate My Professor Yolanda Surjan

Professor Yolanda Surjan serves as Professor in the School of Health Sciences and Head of Discipline, Radiation Therapy, within the Faculty of Health and Medicine at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She is also the Director of the Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology. Surjan earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Technology) from the University of Newcastle, Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion from the University of Newcastle, and Master of Health Science (Education) from the University of Sydney. Her career includes clinical roles as a Radiation Therapist at Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital (2001), Prince of Wales Hospital Radiation Oncology (1997-2001), and Royal Free Hospital, London (1997). She held the Gladys M. Brawn Fellowship from 2016 to 2019 and serves as Deputy Chair of the Research Committee in the School of Health Sciences.

Surjan's research interests encompass evaluation of teaching and learning practices for undergraduate health professionals and translational research in radiation therapy clinical applications aimed at elevating cancer care standards through patient advocacy and improved services. Her work includes brachytherapy, first-year education experiences, radiation therapy, and squamous cell carcinoma in equine models. Key publications feature "More than skin deep: the unseen effects of breast cancer" (2024), "Emotional intelligence and empathy: are radiation therapists of the future emotionally sustainable?" (2024), "Does clearer vision lead to differences in target and OAR doses in partial breast irradiation?" (2021), "Dosimetric impact of changing gas volumes seen throughout treatment on pancreas volumetric modulated arc therapy" (2021), "Radiation therapy student reflections on communication skills training following their first clinical placement" (2021), and "Brachytherapy treatment of ocular/periocular squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: treatment results in 74 cases (1999-2007)" (2014). She has received notable awards including the University of Newcastle Excellence Award for Industry Engagement (2024), Senior Fellowship from the UK Advance Higher Education Academy (2025), Fellow of the Australian Society for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (2023), CSIRO Breakout Female Scientist Award (2017), Chancellor's Award for Innovation (2016), Vice-Chancellor's Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2013), and NSW Premier's Quality Teaching Award (2009). Surjan's leadership fosters global collaborations in radiation oncology research and education.