Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) Associate Professor Maria McCarthy has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List for her significant service to paediatric oncology research and education.

Associate Professor McCarthy, who leads MCRI’s psycho-oncology program and the survivorship branch of the Cancer Flagship, has received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Psycho-oncology (psychiatric or psychosocial oncology), the study of cancer patients’ lived experience from diagnosis to survivorship, looks at the long-term impact cancer has on physical health, brain function, emotional wellbeing and quality of life.

Associate Professor McCarthy, a mental health specialist at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), established an integrated, multidisciplinary psycho-oncology program in 2003 at the RCH Children’s Cancer Centre. The centre has mental health clinicians, neuropsychologists, allied health professionals and art therapists.

Associate Professor McCarthy, who received a Victorian Cancer Agency in 2021, now heads a clinical research program at MCRI dedicated to translating cancer research into practice. She is also an honorary Principal Research Fellow in the University of Melbourne’s Department of Paediatrics.

Image: Associate Professor McCarthy AM

Associate Professor McCarthy said receiving the AM encouraged her to keep making the journey of young cancer patients easier.

“A cancer diagnosis is especially difficult for a child and creates ripples through their whole support network, leaving a lasting impact,” she said.

“It’s humbling to receive this award as my team remains dedicated to ensuring young patients, cancer survivors and their families directly benefit from research in Australia and across the world.”

Read more about MCRI’s Brain and Mind research.