Specialists Working With Us
Radiation Oncologist: Susan Brooks MB ChB 1994 Auckland; FRANZCR 2003
Susan Brooks is an Auckland University graduate and did her
specialist training at Auckland Hospital. After gaining her FRANZCR
in 2003, she did research fellowships at Mt Vernon Cancer Centre
and University College Hospitals in London, United Kingdom. She is
currently a consultant at Auckland Radiation Oncology and Auckland
City Hospital where she manages general oncological issues with
sub-site interests in gynaecological, breast and gastrointestinal
radiation oncology. She is an enthusiastic and committed Radiation
Oncologist and looks forward to being of service to referring
physicians and their patients.
Email: susan.brooks@aro.co.nz
Radiation Oncologist: Christine Elder MB ChB 1990 Otago; FRANZCR 2002
Dr Christine Elder is a Radiation Oncologist and manages the
radiotherapy treatment of patients at Auckland Radiation
Oncology. Dr Elder also works in the Radiation Oncology
Department at Auckland City Hospital. Dr Elder trained at Otago
University in Dunedin, and received full registration to practice
medicine in 1991.
Email: christine.elder@aro.co.nz
Radiation Oncologist: Anthony Falkov MB BCh 1983 Witwatersrand; DRANZCR 1997
Dr Anthony Falkov is a Radiation Oncologist and manages the
radiotherapy treatment of patients at Auckland Radiation Oncology.
Dr Falkov also works in the Radiation Oncology Department at
Auckland City Hospital. Dr Falkov trained at the University of
Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He received full
registration to practice medicine in 1993.
Email: anthony.falkov@aro.co.nz
Radiation Oncologist: Dr John H L Matthews MBChB 1978 (Auckland); Dip Obst 1980 (Auckland); D1985 F 1985 RANZCR; FAChPM 2000
Dr John Matthews manages radiation therapy treatment at Auckland
Radiation Oncology.
Dr Matthews undertook his postgraduate training in oncology in
Auckland obtaining his Fellowship in Radiation Oncology in 1985. He
then worked as a consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Cross
Cancer Institute in Edmonton Alberta, and Senior lecturer at the
University of Alberta, Canada between 1985 and 1987. He returned to
work as a consultant oncologist at Auckland City Hospital and
continues to work there in a part time position.
Dr Matthews has a large experience in treating a wide range of
malignancies but his main interest is genitourinary (prostate,
bladder, renal and testis) cancer and particularly prostate cancer.
He is very experienced with all forms of curative treatment for
prostate cancer including external beam radiation with IMRT and
VMAT as well as prostate brachytherapy. He introduced permanent
brachytherapy into NZ in 1999 and has referred patients for the
High Dose Rate (HDR) component of combined external beam radiation
and temporary brachytherapy for over 12 years. He has a large
experience in the treatment of patients following radical
surgery.
Dr Matthews has a very strong interest in cancer research and a
passion for quality assurance in treatment. He also believes that
patients need to be well informed about their disease and available
options. Dr Matthews has a strong interest in palliative care and
is a Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative
Medicine.
Email: john.matthews@aro.co.nz
Radiation Oncologist: Maria Pearse MB ChB 1994 Otago; FRANZCR 2003
Dr Maria Pearse is a Consultant (Specialist) Radiation
Oncologist and manages the radiotherapy treatment at Auckland
Radiation Oncology. Dr Pearse is also a Consultant Radiation
Oncologist at Auckland City Hospital and a Senior Lecturer in
Oncology at the University of Auckland Medical School. Dr
Pearse trained at Otago University in Dunedin, Auckland City
Hospital and the Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre in
Canada.
In addition to her clinical roles at ARO and Auckland City
Hospital, Dr Pearse is also the Chief Pathology Examiner for the
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR),
of which she is a Fellow. This is the examining and
accrediting body for the Radiation Oncology specialty.
Areas of Interest: Dr Pearse has a
general interest in oncology including sub-specialty interests in:
breast; urology (including prostate and bladder); gastrointestinal
(including rectal, oesophageal and pancreatic); skin; lung;
prostate brachytherapy; and palliative radiation oncology.
Research: Dr Pearse is active in the
field of cancer research and has a number of international
peer-reviewed publications. She is also the recipient of a
number of research grants and awards.
Dr Pearse is an active member of the following research and
professional associations:
- Medical Advisory Committee for the New Zealand Breast Cancer
Foundation
- Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group
- National Breast Cancer Special Interest Group
- National Gastrointestinal Cancer Special Interest Group
- National Genitourinary Cancer Special Interest Group
- Medical Advisory Committee for Clinical Trials New Zealand
- Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genitourinary Group (FROGG)
- Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG)
- Fellow of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australia
and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).
Email: maria.pearse@aro.co.nz