INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN HEALTH AND EAR DISEASE
Professor Kelvin Kong AM,
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Fellow Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon Worimi Nation, Australia &
School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia &
Honorary Professor, Macquarie University &
Adjunct Professor, University of NSW, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Newcastle, NSW, Australia | October 2025
Professor Kelvin Kong feels incredibly fortunate to lead a fulfilling life surrounded by his loved ones. With a demonstrated history of service in the health industry, he brings a wealth of expertise across various sectors including clinical research, medical education, surgery, paediatrics, health policy, and Indigenous education. Kelvin started his university, residing at New College in 1992, which brings him fond memories. Graduating from medicine from the University of NSW, Kelvin continued his studies and became a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and Australian Society of Otolaryngology, head & neck Society (ASOHNS).
Based in Newcastle on Awabakal and Worimi Country, Kelvin specialises in Paediatric & Adult Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. His practice encompasses a diverse range of adult and paediatric patients, with a particular interest in Paediatric Airway and Cochlear Implantation.
Beyond his clinical work, Kelvin is deeply committed to community service. His dedication to improving health outcomes extends to his role as a Professor at the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health, as well as his Honorary Professorships at Macquarie University and Associate Professorships UNSW. He established the Muku (Ear) Indigenous Ear Research program and strongly involved in many facets of research, particularly in relation to engaging community in research and creating career pathways. He is the senior examiner of the ORL Mini-court for RACS and member of the National Ear and Hearing Health Partnership Committee to highlight a few.
Hailing from the Worimi people of Port Stephens, NSW, Kelvin’s heritage informs his passion for health and education improvement initiatives. He remains grounded by the support of his family, who continue to inspire him in his efforts to give back to the community. Through his advocacy, research, and clinical practice, Kelvin strives to make a positive impact on the lives of others, guided by his commitment to equity and the well-being of all.
Source: Supplied
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8384-0149
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Cancer survivorship and exercise oncology
Professor Sandra Hayes is the Director of Research at Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ), where she leads a comprehensive cancer research program encompassing cancer epidemiology, prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship.
With a BAppSci (Hons) and a PhD in exercise oncology, Professor Hayes’s expertise lies in quantifying the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on physical and psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and survival. She also evaluates innovative supportive care strategies, particularly exercise, to improve post-cancer lives.
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Personalised approaches to lung therapy
Dr. Adams’ research focus is on lung cancer, which is the deadliest of all cancers worldwide. He is working towards developing personalised approaches to pinpoint a therapy that is going to be most effective for the person with that disease. Dr. Adams’ research is focusing on chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and he is trying to identify upfront which of those tumours are likely to be resistant to the therapy. He then identifies strategies that will resensitize or increase the sensitivity of the tumour to the standard of care that is targeted therapy or chemotherapy.
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Exercise program for the prevention of osteoporotic fracture
Dr Beck is an international leader in the effects of mechanical loading on bone health. Dr Beck graduated from The University of Queensland (BHMS[Ed]) and the University of Oregon (MSc and PhD) and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Stanford University School of Medicine (California, USA.) She is a Professor of Exercise Science at Griffith University Gold Coast campus, where she has led the Bone Densitometry Research Laboratory since 2004.
