GENETIC ONCOLOGIST
DR HILDA HIGH
BSc MBBS (Hons) MCH FRACP
ABOUT Hilda
Dr Hilda High is a genetic oncologist. She works with Sydney Cancer Genetics and NHOG, providing comprehensive cancer care for patients and their families. She specialises in the assessment of inherited cancer risk, genetic counselling and testing as well as cancer risk management.
Dr Hilda High completed her medical degree at Sydney University with honours and completed her Master of Community of Health, for which she won the Master of Community Health Prize, through the University of NSW.
She is aware of the emotional issues that can arise when discussing family cancer histories as well as the sometimes complicated dynamics of a modern family. During her training at Westmead Hospital, she was awarded The Dominque Clancey and Andrew Donald Memorial Prize: “in recognition of her dedication, selflessness and commitment to others”.
Hilda has a keen interest in research. She has presented her work at national and international conferences and has published in key international journals.
Combining her knowledge and passion for both genetics and oncology, Hilda is an enthusiastic speaker, providing lectures and talks to medical students, nurses, registrars, GP’s and specialists as well as special interest groups and the general public. She has produced YouTube videos for public education.
She is a key member of the Cancer Institute’s eviQ group, working with other national experts to provide standardised Australian guidelines for the testing and management of inherited disorders associated with cancer.
Committed to increasing patient access to cancer genetic specialists, Hilda runs telehealth consults to regional, rural and remote areas.
Her professional memberships have included the Medical Oncology Group of Australia (MOGA), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Human Genetics Organisation (HUGO) and the Private Cancer Physicians Australia (PCPA).
Medical Oncologists are specialist physicians trained in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal, biological and targeted therapies.
Clinical Haematologists are specialist physicians trained in diagnosing, treating and preventing malignant and non-malignant diseases of the blood and bone marrow.
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life for patients and their families facing the problem of a life-threatening illness through the prevention and relief of suffering by the treatment of pain and other problems - physical, psychosocial and spiritual.
A genetic oncologist is a medical oncologist who specialises in inherited cancer. Genetic oncologists provide genetic testing, risk assessment and risk management advice for individuals, including those who have not had a cancer, and their families.
Our Clinical and Consulting Psychologists have expertise in supporting patients and their families affected by a diagnosis of cancer. Psychological interventions can help improve the quality of life and well-being of those dealing with cancer. The provision of emotional support alongside medical interventions is now considered "best practice care".
