More than 100 Icon Cancer Centre doctors and executives came together in Sydney on Saturday 12 September for Icon Doctor Day 2026, a national forum focused on the forces reshaping private cancer care.
Through the theme Leading the Future of Private Cancer Care, the event explored the opportunities and challenges facing clinicians and healthcare providers - from artificial intelligence and advanced therapies to sustainable healthcare models, global innovation and the evolving needs of patients.
The annual event also provides an opportunity for clinicians to learn from one another, share expertise and strengthen connections to support how Icon Cancer Centre can continue to lead high-quality, patient-centred cancer care into the future.
A shared vision for the future
Dr Ian Irving, Icon Group Chief Medical Officer, opened the event, welcoming guests and setting the scene for the day, before Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM shared an update on Icon Group’s global strategy and growth ambitions, highlighting how the organisation’s expanding international footprint is creating opportunities for doctors and improving access to care.
Icon Group Chairman Paul McClintock AO explored the future sustainability of private healthcare, while EQT Partners Director Hugo Visscher provided a global investment perspective on emerging healthcare trends and models of care.
Icon Cancer Centre Australia and New Zealand CEO, Paul Fenton then reflected on the network’s performance and strategic priorities, including ongoing investment and initiatives to strengthen the organisation’s integrated cancer care network.
These themes continued in an open forum chaired by Dr Irving, with panellists Hugo Visscher, Paul Fenton, Icon Group Chief Executive Officer – Commercial & Global Services, Tracey Fyvie and Paul McClintock (pictured right to left).
Innovation without borders
The afternoon session, chaired by Icon Group Deputy Chief Medical Officer, A/Prof Matthew Foote focused on innovation and emerging advances in cancer care.
Gail Wang, Risk Adviser at Avant Risk Advisory Services, shared practical insights into patient complaints, communication and medico-legal risk, while Dr Patricia Kho from Singapore explored international healthcare innovation and emerging models of care across Asia.
Dr Farshin Mortasawi from Germany examined the expanding role of radiotherapy in treating benign disease, highlighting opportunities beyond traditional cancer treatment.
The evolution of advanced therapies was also explored by Dr Karthik Nath, Deputy Director of Cellular Therapy at Icon Cancer Centre Australia, who discussed the rapid development of CAR T-cell and bispecific therapies and the opportunities emerging through Icon’s growing cellular therapy program.
AI, innovation and the future clinician
Dr Simon Kos, Global Chief Medical Officer at Heidi, explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, addressing both its potential and limitations.
His presentation challenged attendees to consider how AI can support clinicians and health services while maintaining the importance of medical expertise, judgement and patient relationships.
This reinforced a key theme throughout the day: while technology will continue to transform healthcare, high-quality cancer care will remain grounded in clinical excellence, collaboration and patient-centred care.
Lessons in leadership
The event concluded with The Business of Medicine, a panel chaired by A/Prof Foote and featuring Dr Marcel Knesl, Dr Dominique Lee, A/Prof James Morton AM and A/Prof Nicole McCarthy (pictured right to left).
Drawing on their experiences, the panellists discussed building successful practices, balancing clinical and professional priorities, and navigating healthcare leadership.
Beyond the formal program, Doctor Day provided valuable opportunities for colleagues from across the network to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen professional relationships.
As cancer care continues to evolve, Doctor Day is an important forum for clinical leadership, collaboration and shared learning. By bringing together expertise from medicine, business, technology and healthcare innovation, the event reinforces Icon Cancer Centre’s commitment to helping shape the future of cancer care - while keeping patients at the centre of every conversation.