Prof Tracey O’Brien is a paediatric medical oncologist working in Randwick at Sydney Children’s Hospital. She looks after children and young people who are dealing with cancer, and she also helps families understand what treatment can look like day to day. It’s a big job, and it’s not just about the cancer itself. Care often means planning for the whole child, including comfort, nutrition, and side effects.
At Sydney Children’s Hospital (Level 1 South, High Street, Randwick NSW 2031), her role includes cancer screening for children, along with chemotherapy for paediatric patients. Chemotherapy can be intense, and it can come with questions families don’t expect at the start. Prof O’Brien supports children through treatment, and she also focuses on pain management for young cancer patients, because feeling well enough to cope matters. At times, that can mean working closely with other staff to help a child stay as comfortable as possible during tougher parts of the treatment cycle.
Nutrition is another key part of care. In many cases, children with cancer need extra support to maintain strength, energy, and growth. Prof O’Brien provides nutritional support for children with cancer, and this can include practical guidance on eating, managing appetite changes, and making sure a child is getting the right balance while they’re unwell.
Like most paediatric oncology care, her work is about more than one clinic visit. Over time, treatment may involve checks, changes to plans, and careful follow-up as the team watches how the child responds. It can feel stressful for families, especially when there’s uncertainty. Prof O’Brien’s approach stays grounded and child-focused, with clear communication and an emphasis on what’s happening now, what might come next, and what options are available.
Her education and medical training are in the area of child health and cancer medicine, which fits the everyday reality of treating young patients. She works as part of a larger paediatric care team at a children’s hospital, where coordination matters and everyone’s role supports the child’s overall journey through diagnosis and treatment.