5 Minutes with...Dr Elliott Brenman

Dr Elliott Brenman
Medical Oncologist
Specialises in Genitourinary, Lung, Gynaecological and Melanoma

Graduated from Nottingham Medical School (UK) 2006.

What is it about oncology that is rewarding for you?

Easy - the people I meet and the journey I share with them. My patients, their families and the people I work with along the way are my personal motivation. Oncology is very much a team effort, with everyone working together to achieve the best possible outcome that matters to a patient, and that doesn’t just include the health professionals it also includes the patient, their family and their community.

What’s the biggest challenge or obstacle you face as an oncologist?

One of the hardest challenges in New Zealand is the limited funding for cancer medicines in the public health system.  Often patients do not get access to the best treatment available.  It can be very disheartening knowing there is superior therapy available, but not being able to provide it for my patients.  That is one of the reasons we decided to start the Canopy Cancer Clinic in Tauranga.  It has provided Tauranga patients with the ability to receive some of these newer and better treatments. 

Describe your professional self in three words

Committed, empathetic, kind.

Loves: Spending time with my two boys.

Dislikes: Sambuca – It reminds me of too many bad nights out when I was at University!

Fears: Horror films.

Bugbear: People not doing a thorough or quality job.

Deal-breaker: Dishonesty.

To learn more about Dr Elliott Brenman head over to his profile.