Dr Jodi Sariman

2026 Trailblazer Awardee

Allied Health Educator & Research Lead – Advanced Social Worker |  Queensland Health
(Doctor of Philosophy [Society & Culture], 2024 | Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, 2017 | Bachelor of Social Work, 1995 | Associate Diploma of Community Welfare, 1991)

Dr Jodi Sariman is an innovative leader in social work and cancer care whose work has transformed support for young people with cancer in regional and remote Australia. With more than 30 years’ experience in Queensland Health, including two decades across oncology, paediatrics and palliative care, her career is defined by a deep commitment to improving care for those facing some of life’s most complex challenges.

Jodi’s groundbreaking contribution lies in her research into the experiences of young people aged 15 to 25 undergoing cancer treatment in outer regional and remote Queensland. Her work identified the profound impact of distance, disconnection and disruption to support networks, revealing critical gaps in care for young people required to travel away from home for treatment. In response, she developed the My Connections tool, a person-centred intervention that supports meaningful conversations between patients and care teams, helping to identify the connections, supports and priorities most important to each individual.

Co-designed with young people, clinicians and community stakeholders, My Connections is now embedded across Cairns paediatric and adult oncology services, is available through Canteen Australia’s national app, Canteen Connect, and is informing broader service innovation and practice development. Its success reflects Jodi’s ability to translate research into practical, scalable solutions that improve patient experience and outcomes.

Beyond her clinical and research work, Jodi continues to demonstrate leadership through statewide and national engagement, including her appointment to the Queensland Clinical Senate Executive. Through her work, she has given voice to young people in regional and remote communities and reshaped how care is delivered in these contexts.

Through vision, compassion and innovation, Dr Sariman is driving meaningful change in cancer care, improving the lives of young people and their families across Australia.

Connect with Jodi on LinkedIn.