A Dundalk native praised by her colleagues as an ‘incredible support’ towards clinical trials that offer vital hope to patients was honoured at the Irish Cancer Society Research Awards on Monday.
Ashley Bazin (née Smyth), who is originally from the town and is now based in Kildare, is Team Leader of the Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials Unit within Tallaght University Hospital.
Since first coming into the role in 2006 she has seen the team grow from three to eight staff, with Ashley performing multiple important functions including as a research nurse, team leader, manager and mentor to others.
Her work involves offering patients access to cancer clinical trials that seek to identify improved treatments, and explaining what’s involved, as well as meeting them regularly on their trial journey, and ensuring that all assessments are done and tracking data to prove the trial’s effectiveness.
In her nomination for the award, Ashley was described by those she works with as someone ‘who always strives to bring the best options to patients’, and who is ‘integral’ to the functioning of the unit.
Speaking on her award, Ashley said: “It’s so rewarding working with patients in this role. You’re constantly offering hope with the new treatments available, which is very satisfying.
“When I saw what was written about me for the nomination it brought home all that’s involved in the role which you never really think about day to day. It’s nice to feel that someone thinks you’re doing a good job,” added Ashley, who recently returned from a respected trials conference in San Francisco.
Congratulating Ashley on her award, Irish Cancer Society Acting Head of Research Dr Claire Kilty said: “Ashley is an incredibly valued member of her team, which is clear from the glowing tributes paid to her given her extensive experience in bringing cutting-edge clinical trials to patients. This award is truly fitting recognition of her amazing efforts in this space.
“It’s a real testament to the work of our dedicated cancer researchers around Ireland to see such a flourishing environment for forward-looking research projects including clinical trials, and it’s great to be able to recognise the amazing effort they put into making people’s lives better at such a difficult time.”
The 2023 Irish Cancer Society Research Awards was the first event to be held in person since before the pandemic in 2020.
The event comes ahead of the return of the Society’s Daffodil Day fundraiser on Friday March 24, which provides crucial support for ground-breaking cancer research. For information on how to give or get involved, visit www.Cancer.ie.
