The Specialists at Western Haematology and Oncology Clinics are experts in their field, focused on providing patients with the best care available, including access to clinical trials.
Our centres facilitate a care philosophy of wellness through treatment for blood conditions and cancer, rather than illness.
The Specialists at Western Haematology and Oncology Clinics are experts in their field, focused on providing patients with the best care available, including access to clinical trials.
Our centres facilitate a care philosophy of wellness through treatment for blood conditions and cancer, rather than illness.
MBBS, BMedSc, FRACP, FACP, FRCPA
Professor Ross Baker is a practising consultant haematologist, clinical researcher and is currently:
• Director Medical Services – Western Haematology and Oncology Clinics;
• Senior Consultant Haematologist – Hollywood Private Hospital;
• Director WA Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis – Murdoch University;
• Director Haemophilia Treatment Centre – Hollywood Private Hospital; and
• Chairman – Perth Blood Institute
Professor Baker’s major interest is the translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical haematology practice. He has extensive clinical and laboratory experience in a wide range of haematological disorders and has been a consultant in haematology for over 25 years.
As Principal Investigator in, more than 125 large international phase II and III clinical trials, he has actively led and participated in clinical research in venous thrombosis, leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, thrombocytopenia, Von Willebrand disease and haemophilia.
He has authored over 127 papers in peer reviewed medical journals with high impact factor and has been a regularly invited speaker at international and national medical meetings.
He is a founding director and secretary of the Australasian Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ASTH now THANZ), Founding Chair of the Perth Blood Institute and scientific advisor to the World Health Organisation on DVT in 2001.
He has enthusiasm for teaching medical and science students and supervises post graduate PhD, masters and honours research programs. He directs the Regional Training Scheme Program with Malaysia for specialist clinical and research training and mentoring with the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. He initiated Medical Science Encounter days for promising year 11 and 12 high school students, to enable them to have hands on laboratory research experience and to discover the power of science.
M.B.Ch.B, FRACP, FRCPA
Dr Maan Alwan is a dual qualified clinical and laboratory haematologist. He completed his specialist training at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney.
Dr Alwan has clinical interest in both malignant and non-malignant haematology. With a special interest in;
• Myeloma
• Lymphoma / lymphoproliferative disorders
• Thrombosis and Haemostasis
• Bone Marrow Dysfunction / Cytopenia Management
Dr Alwan’s private consulting rooms are based at Western Haematology & Oncology Clinics in West Perth and Midland. Dr Alwan is also a part-time laboratory haematologist at Western Diagnostic Pathology.
As a clinical investigator at Perth Blood Institute, Maan is also strongly involved in clinical trials and research in Myeloma, Lymphoma and Clotting & Bleeding disorders.
MBBS (Hons), MPhil, FRACP, FRCPA
Dr Peter Tan specialises in haematological oncology, and general haematological conditions including obstetric haematology, bleeding and clotting disorders. He consults at Western Haematology & Oncology Clinics and Royal Perth Hospital.
He understands that blood disorders are often complex and prioritises the provision of comprehensive and clear explanations. A new diagnosis may often cause a level of stress and uncertainty for patients and their families, therefore he plans to demystify the process of investigations and therapeutic options.
Dr Tan obtained his medical degree from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and commenced training at Royal Perth Hospital. Dr Tan completed his specialist training in haematology and bone marrow transplantation at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. He obtained specialist qualifications in clinical and laboratory haematology from the RACP and RCPA. Dr Tan held the position of the Kefford Leukaemia Research Fellow at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, for three years.
He is a principal investigator for clinical trials at the Perth Blood Institute (PBI) and at Royal Perth Hospital. He has also obtained research grants from the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network (WACPN) and RPH Medical Research Fund (MRF) for research in co-operation with Cell and Tissue Therapies WA (CTTWA).
Dr Tan maintains an interest in the safe use of blood transfusion products and is a member of the RPH Blood Transfusion Committee. He is a member of the RPH Drug and Therapeutics Committee (DTC) that evaluates novel therapies. He supervises physician and haematology specialist trainees and lectures medical students at UWA. He is a haematopathologist at Western Diagnostics Pathology and is the current Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) for Western Haematology & Oncology Clinics.
MBBS (Hons), FRACP
Dr Paola Polistena specialises in haematology oncology, general haematological disorders, and bleeding and clotting diseases.
She has a focused interest in the management of malignant haematological conditions but also has broad experience in the treatment of thrombotic and haemostatic disorders. With over 25 years of haematology experience, her extensive knowledge is complemented by advanced study and practice in both haematology and bone marrow transplants.
Dr Polistena was trained in Italy, where she worked for 17 years. She was a principal investigator in Italy for clinical trials in acute leukemia and lymphoma therapies before moving to Perth with her family. She worked for a year at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth as a Bone Marrow Transplant Fellow, and then she worked as a Myeloma Fellow at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne the following year. Dr Polistena returned to Perth after working as a consultant for another two years at Latrobe Regional Hospital. She achieved the RACP Fellowship in 2020 and has since been consulting at Bunbury Regional Hospital.
Dr Polistena knows that blood disorders are often complex and prioritises clear communication to allow patients to make informed decisions regarding their own management. She firmly believes that a good relationship with each patient is an integral part of their therapeutic plan.
Dr McRae completed haematology training in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Scotland. He then undertook a 3 -year clinical fellowship in venous thrombosis management at McMaster University, Ontario. He has worked as a consultant haematologist throughout Australia including time as the Director of Clinical Haematology at both the Royal Adelaide and Launceston General Hospitals.
He has a particular interest in the management of venous thrombosis and bleeding disorders and has been involved in clinical trials as a principal investigator for over two decades. He has over 50 peer reviewed publications and book chapters, and has been a contributing author to consensus international guidelines in his areas of interest.
He has previously served on the executive of the Australian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ASTH now THANZ), and was chair of the Australian Haemophilia Centre Directors Organisation (AHCDO) for over 6 years.
Dr McRae believes strongly in providing clear information to allow patients to be make informed decisions regarding their own management, and the tailoring of evidence based treatment to meet individual patient needs.
MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA
Dr Sefhore holds dual accreditation as a clinical haematologist and a haematopathologist and has completed fellowships with both the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).
She provides consulting and clinical services at Western Haematology and Oncology Clinics and Hollywood Private Hospital. Dr Sefhore is a part-time laboratory haematologist at Western Diagnostic Pathology and a sub investigator for multiple clinical trials with the Perth Blood Institute.
Her clinical interest is in both malignant and non-malignant haematology, with a special interest in:
- Haemaglobinopathies
- Haematological malignancies
- Thrombotic and bleeding disorders
- Obstetric haematology
Dr Sefhore obtained her Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery from Monash University in Melbourne, VIC, in 2010. Following this, she undertook her Basic Physician training at Monash Health and Peninsula Health in Victoria. Her journey continued as she completed her specialist training while serving as a Haematology Advanced Trainee at Liverpool Hospital and Calvary Mater/John Hunter Hospital in NSW.
MBBS, FRACP, MHA
A/Prof Wei-Sen Lam is a Medical Oncologist with a special interest in lung cancer and mesothelioma. A/Prof Lam has several leadership roles, including Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Clinical Lead for the South Metropolitan Health Service Cancer Plan and Clinical Lead for WA Country Health Service Trial Centre. A/Prof Lam was previously Director of Medical Oncology at WA Country Health Service, and Co-Chair of the WA Cancer Oncology Group.
He is passionate about improving cancer services for rural and remote WA and has developed new and innovative services including Telechemotherapy and Telelymphoedema. During his time as Director of Medical Oncology for WA Country Health Service, A/Prof Lam provided leadership in implementing the WA Country Health Service Cancer Plan and helped commence new cancer services in Karratha, Broome and Narrogin and a Telelymphoedema service in Esperance and Katanning. A/Prof Lam represented regional cancer care nationally as the Rural and Regional Executive Chair for the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia. Wei-Sen holds a Master of Health Administration and completed a leadership course with the Australian Institute of Management.
Wei-Sen has a keen interest in research and is actively involved in clinical trials. A/Prof Lam was a successful recipient of the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network Fellowship and supported clinical trials in mesothelioma during his time as a clinical fellow at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. A/Prof a principal investigator in several lung cancer trials at Fiona Stanley Hospital. A/Prof Lam is working with the Australian Teletrial Program to develop clinical trial units in country WA and create a pathway to help improve access to clinical trials for patient. He also holds an academic position as an Associate Adjunct Professor at Curtin University Dr Lam’s special interests are: • Lung and Mesothelioma,
Dr Lam’s special interests are:
- Lung, Mesothelioma, Melanoma and Breast Cancer
- Upper GI Tumours and Colorectal
- Prostate
B.Pharm MBBS(Hons) FRACP
Dr Andrew Fantoni has over 15 years of experience working in healthcare and a strong passion for improving cancer outcomes in Western Australia. Initially trained as a Pharmacist at Curtin University, Dr Fantoni worked as a Pharmacist while pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Western Australia. He then underwent Physician and Medical Oncology training through Royal Perth, Sir Charles Gairdner, and Fiona Stanley Hospitals.
Dr Fantoni’s commitment to equitable healthcare is evident in his passion for improving cancer services in regional areas. In recognition of this, he was awarded a WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network Fellowship in 2023. This fellowship allowed him to conduct research aimed at improving lung cancer outcomes in regional populations throughout Western Australia. Currently, he is serving as a Medical Oncologist at Fiona Stanley Hospital and St John of God Hospital Midland, focusing on breast, genito-urinary cancers, and clinical trials.
Dr Fantoni treats a broad range of cancer types with special interests in:
- Breast Cancer
- Genito-urinary cancers including prostate, kidney/renal and testicular cancers
- Gastrointestinal cancers including pancreas, biliary and colorectal.
- Lung cancer
Dr Fantoni’s approach to patient care is characterised by his background in pharmacology and his commitment to safe and appropriate prescribing, and patient education. Dr Fantoni is widely recognised for his clear, compassionate, and approachable communication style. He takes the time to listen closely to his patients’ concerns, explain complex medical information in an understandable way, and ensures patients feel informed and supported throughout every phase of their cancer care. His ability to connect on a human level builds trust and empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment decisions.
He is passionate about improving cancer services for rural and remote WA and has developed new and innovative services including Telechemotherapy and Telelymphoedema. During his time as Director of Medical Oncology for WA Country Health Service, Dr Lam providing leadership in implementing the WA Country Health Service Cancer Plan and helped commence new cancer services in Karratha, Broome and Narrogin and a Telelymphoedema service in Esperance and Katanning.
Wei-Sen holds a Masters of Health Administration and completed a leadership course with the Australian Institute of Management. Wei-Sen has a keen interest in research and is actively involved in clinical trials. Dr Lam was a successful recipient of the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network Fellowship and is a principal investigator in several lung cancer trials at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Dr Lam is currently the Director of Teletrials. Dr Lam is working with the Australian Teletrial Program to develop clinical trial units in country WA and create a pathway to help improve access to clinical trials for patients.
Dr Lam’s special interests are:
- Lung, Mesothelioma, Melanoma and Breast Cancer
- Upper GI Tumours and Colorectal
- Prostate
