Dr Nick Zdenkowski is a medical oncologist with a focus on the treatment of breast and lung cancer. He provides evidence-based, compassionate, patient-centred, respectful care to each individual he sees. He prides himself on his ability to explain the complexities of cancer diagnosis and treatment in a way that anyone can understand, as he knows that patients who are involved in their care have the best chance of receiving the treatment that is most suited to them. He works with his patients, their loved ones and their healthcare team towards the best available treatment options, tailored to individual priorities.
Dr Nick was awarded his PhD in 2018 from the University of Sydney, which focussed on shared decision-making in cancer care. He completed his Bachelor of Medicine undergraduate training at the University of Newcastle in 2005 before proceeding to Physician training at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, and Medical oncology training in Newcastle culminating in Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2012. During this time he also completed a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Newcastle and a Clinical Diploma of Palliative Care with the College of Physicians.
Dr Zdenkowski has completed postgraduate training encompassing both clinical and research aspects of cancer medicine. He has undertaken a Fellowship in breast cancer clinical practice and research with Breast Cancer Trials and the Calvary Mater Hospital. He works within a team of health professionals who are dedicated not only to achieving the best possible outcomes for each individual cancer patient through high quality care, but also to improving all patients’ lives through research.
Nick has a visiting medical officer appointment at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital. He also works with the Australia and New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG) as a clinical research fellow and holds an academic appointment as a conjoint lecturer with the University of Newcastle.
Dr Zdenkowski’s research interests include decision-making about treatment for breast cancer, and pre-operative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy or endocrine therapy for early stage breast cancer. His PhD focussed on developing a decision support tool for patients with early stage breast cancer who are considering chemotherapy before surgery as treatment for their breast cancer. This is now available for use at www.myneoguide.com.au. He is active in research, with clinical trials available for potentially eligible patients at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and Hunter Valley Oncology. He sits on a number of research committees, and has published and presented his research extensively. He also works for Breast Cancer Trials, Australia and New Zealand’s collaborative research group (www.breastcancertrials.org.au).
Dr Nick offers the latest in medical oncology treatments for breast cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormone-blocking therapies. Chemotherapy and targeted therapies are delivered under his supervision by a team of specialised oncology nurses in a modern, comfortable day treatment centre on the first floor of the specialist suites opposite Lake Macquarie Private Hospital. If needed, he admits patients to Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, with the support of the Emergency Department and the Oncology ward.
In the rapidly changing world of oncology, keeping up to date with the best medical evidence is vital. Dr Nick regularly attends national and international conferences to offer the best possible treatments and advice. He also has a strong research interest, having published more than 28 peer-reviewed manuscripts since 2012, and presented research results at national and international scientific meetings. He sits on the Scientific Advisory Committee of Breast Cancer Trials, a national collaborative clinical trials group, and works with that Group as a Medical Advisor. He also sits on a number of trial and research Steering Committees. He collaborates with researchers in Newcastle, Australia and internationally to improve the lives of all patients with breast cancer.
Dr Nick consults at the Breast Centre on the ground floor of the specialist suites on Sydney St Gateshead, opposite Lake Macquarie Private Hospital. The Breast Centre is a comprehensive breast specialty clinic, with Medical Oncologists, Breast and General Surgeons, Radiation Oncologists, Physiotherapists, a breast nurse, on-site medical imaging and pathology, to ensure that patients with breast cancer receive quick answers and prompt, effective treatment.