Penelope A. Mckelvie is an oncologist based at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne in Fitzroy, VIC. She looks after people with a range of cancers and related conditions, with care that’s practical and focused on what the patient needs day to day.
In many cases, her work involves lymphomas, including B-cell and T-cell types. She also supports people who have solid tumours, particularly when the cancer is in the head and neck area or near the eyes and surrounding structures. At times, this care can include conditions that need careful diagnosis before a clear treatment plan can be made.
Because every case is a bit different, the first steps often involve testing and close review of symptoms, scan results, and other medical info. Where needed, she helps coordinate tissue biopsy so the team can better understand what’s going on. That can make a big difference for treatment choices and for how people move forward.
Staying on top of changing symptoms is also part of the job. Cancer and other serious health issues can affect sleep, energy, eating, vision, or day to day comfort. Penelope aims to explain what’s happening in plain language and help people understand the next steps, not just the big picture.
Over time, oncologists like Penelope work alongside other hospital teams. That might include people involved in imaging, pathology, surgery, radiation, and supportive care. Together, the goal is to make treatment feel as organised as possible, and to keep care centred on the person, not just the diagnosis.
Penelope’s hospital role is centred on ongoing patient care at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. If you’re dealing with a new diagnosis, a second opinion, or ongoing treatment, having someone who can support the full process—from tests to planning—can help you feel a little more steady.
