Dr Richard North

BHB, MBChB, FRACP

Dr Richard North trained as a general medical oncologist but maintains specific interests in gastro-intestinal and lung cancers along with melanoma.

He trained in Auckland and Waikato before moving to Newcastle in Australia to complete his fellowship training. Newcastle boasts a large cancer centre and includes the ANZ Breast Cancer Trials Unit and the Newcastle Melanoma Unit.

Richard came to Tauranga in 2008 and was the first medical oncologist based in Tauranga & Whakatane. He has been instrumental in building and expanding the service over the years. He has a passion for the people in the Bay of Plenty and his goal is to provide the optimal oncology experience for patients from the region.

Richard is, and has been the principal investigator in a large number of phase III multinational trials in oncology since moving to Tauranga in 2008.

At a National level Richard has been a member of Cancer Control New Zealand and is currently the chair of the Medical Oncology Work Group, a ministry of health committee dedicated to improving Medical Oncology services throughout the country.

Richard has a passion for medical education and has a academic position with the University of Auckland School of Medicine to teach both 4 th year and final year medical students based in the BOP. He is an examiner for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Richard’s primary focus in oncology is to provide the best advice, care and support possible for patients with this terrible illness. This involves drug treatments but also excellent liaison with other services such as radiation oncology, surgery and palliative care when appropriate.

Outside of work Richard has a wife and 2 children. He is a devoted Christian with a strong faith. He sometimes goes running, but usually regrets it.