BIOGRAPHY: Robert Olson is a clinician scientist and an administrative leader at BC Cancer and UBC. Clinically he treats breast cancer and head & neck cancer as a radiation oncologist. His research is focused on clinical trials, specifically in the setting of oligometastatic disease and precision radiation therapy. His leadership includes the provincial Division Head of Radiation Oncology at UBC and the Executive Medical Director at BC Cancer – Prince George.

What is your interest in clinical trials? • I am the principal investigator on multiple clinical trials in oligometastatic cancer.

Why do you think clinical trials are important?
• The are crucial in defining new standards of care.

What is your personal philosophy about clinical trial training specifically or mentorship in general?
• I believe trainees should be exposed to clinical trials early in their career, and that clinicians and scientists need to collaborate on bringing the highest quality trials to fruition. I am also passionate about clinical trial access to patients outside of large urban centres.

FUN FACT: I am a triathlete and marathon runner.