Prof David Ziegler is a paediatric medical oncologist based in Randwick. You can find him at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Level 1 South, High Street, Randwick NSW 2031.
In paediatric oncology, care needs to be both medical and very practical for families. Prof Ziegler works with children and young people who may be dealing with cancer, from early checks through to longer treatment and follow-up. Each case is different, and families often have a lot to think about at once, so the focus is on clear, steady care.
One part of the work is cancer screening for children when it’s needed. Screening helps teams find issues earlier, so the next steps can be planned sooner. At times, families come in with worries that something might be going on, and the process is about working out what’s happening and what to do next.
He also looks after children who need chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a big treatment, and it can bring side effects and hard days. Over time, care aims to keep symptoms under control while treatment is given in a careful, planned way. Support is important here too, because treatment doesn’t just affect the body. It can affect school, sleep, routines, and the whole household.
When cancer is advanced or treatment is no longer helping in the way families hoped, Prof Ziegler also provides palliative care for paediatric cancer patients. Palliative care is about comfort, quality of life, and supporting both the child and the people who love them. It can include managing pain and other symptoms, and helping families understand the care plan in a way that feels manageable.
Alongside the medical care, there are support services for families of children with cancer. This is often what makes a real difference day to day. Families may need help navigating appointments, understanding treatment steps, and getting support while they’re dealing with stress and uncertainty. In many cases, that support sits alongside the clinical plan, not after it.
Overall, Prof David Ziegler’s work in paediatric medical oncology brings together specialist cancer care, chemotherapy treatment, and comfort-focused care when it’s needed most, all from the team-based setting of Sydney Children’s Hospital.