Dr Draga Barbaric is a Paediatric Medical Oncologist based in Randwick, NSW. She works at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Level 1 South, High Street, Randwick NSW 2031, where she looks after children who are facing cancer and the tough treatment that comes with it.
In day to day care, Dr Barbaric focuses on treatment plans that are built around the whole child. Chemotherapy is often part of this, and she also helps families understand what to expect along the way. Cancer treatment can bring a lot of side effects, so monitoring and managing these is a big part of her work, especially in the weeks and months when things can change quickly.
Comfort matters, too. Pain management for children with cancer is part of her care, because feeling unwell shouldn’t be the only story during treatment. She also provides nutritional support for kids who are undergoing cancer care. Sometimes that means working on food intake, managing appetite changes, or helping with issues that can affect energy and strength.
Dr Barbaric cares for children with a range of cancers, and the needs can be very different from one child to the next. At times, families are dealing with diagnosis, starting treatment, or moving through follow up. Other times, it’s about staying steady during the hard parts—when the body is recovering, or when symptoms flare up and need help fast.
Her experience is in paediatric oncology and the day to day realities of cancer care for kids, including the practical side of treatment and recovery. The goal is to support the child as treatment progresses, and to keep families informed and supported through what can be a worrying process.
When it comes to education, Dr Barbaric holds clinical training relevant to her role in paediatric medical oncology, and she brings that knowledge into her care planning with a clear, common sense approach. She also works in a way that takes language and communication seriously, speaking English and Croatian.
If a child may be able to take part in clinical research, Dr Barbaric can discuss what options might be available through the hospital setting. In many cases, research can play a role in improving outcomes over time, but the focus stays firmly on the child’s current needs and safety.