Dr. Lachlan McDowell (B.App.Sc, MB BS, FRANZCR, PhD) is a radiation oncologist and clinical researcher specializing in head and neck cancer (HNC), with a focus on human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC). His work combines clinical expertise with innovative research to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Lachlan McDowell's research addresses critical aspects of HNC including: Identifying latent patterns of quality of life in cancer survivors Understanding the differing impacts of different radiation treatments Understanding and quantifying unmet needs in HNC survivors, including sexual health, emotional distress, fear of cancer recurrence and return to work He completed his PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2024 with a Dean’s Research Award. A significant part of his academic contributions comes from secondary analyses of clinical trials, such as TROG 12.01, which provide valuable insights into the evolving management of HPV-OPC cancers. Dr. McDowell also collaborates internationally and has developed an emerging global profile in head and neck oncology through his editorial roles and positions in the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) and the Head and Neck Cancer International Group (HNCIG)