Episode 42

Love Your Sister and Samuel Johnson on Bringing Precision Medicine to Every Patient

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Riwka and Kim are joined by Samuel Johnson, Australian actor and founder of the charity “Love Your Sister”, to discuss the evolving landscape of precision medicine in cancer care and the importance of equitable access for all patients.

Samuel shares his personal motivation for advocating precision medicine, detailing his late sister’s experiences with cancer and her early efforts to secure access to breakthrough treatments. Talking about the science and practice of precision medicine – formerly termed personalised treatment and targeted therapy – focusing on genomics-led approaches that match cancer treatment to an individual's tumour profile. 

Key Talking Points:

  • Personal Motivation: Samuel Johnson’s advocacy for precision medicine is shaped by his sister’s multiple cancer diagnoses, and her legacy in driving public and political attention towards cancer research and innovation.
  • Evolution of Precision Medicine: Precision medicine uses genomic testing to match patients with the most effective and targeted treatments, reducing reliance on trial-and-error approaches.
  • Impact for Patients: This approach reduces the delay from diagnosis to effective treatment, improves patient outcomes, and can lower overall health system costs by avoiding ineffective therapies.
  • Professional and Public Advocacy: Samuel emphasises the value of healthcare professionals raising awareness among patients and communities, the importance of patients advocating for themselves in clinical decision-making, and the need for ongoing education about advances in cancer care.
  • Future Outlook: Considers the possibility of making precision medicine standard of care within the next 15–20 years.
  • Community Support: How we can support “Love Your Sister” through awareness, community engagement, and advocacy, with a focus on education rather than direct financial appeals.

Links & Resources:


Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

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About the Podcast

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Medicubes
The Medicubes team bring you a monthly panel conversation of exciting and challenging topics in primary health care, answering listener questions and invited guests to the discussions.

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About your hosts

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Kim Poyner

Accredited Health Coach and executive coach, with over 20 years of experience in General Practice and Intensive Care Units. Mentor to health professionals and organisations to achieve their best, specialising in chronic disease management, coaching, and change management programs.
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Riwka Hagen

An experienced general practice manager, with a passion for leadership development, coaching, and business management in the health sector. As the Director of Medical Business Services and Medical Business Coaching, she provides consulting, advisory, coaching, training, and mentoring services to health organisations Australia-wide, and is also the founder of the highly active Facebook group 'Practice Managers Network'.
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Chris Smeed

A lover of all things Practice Management and Data. Always thinking of ways to make life easier and to help with patient outcomes.