About Dr Sem Liew

Sem Liew is the principal oncologist at VOC. He graduated from University of Melbourne (St Vincent’s Clinical School) in 2005 and then completed his advanced training in oncology in January 2013 at Austin and Monash Hospitals.

As well as being a medical oncologist and clinical researcher, Sem previously held the prestigious National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) postgraduate scholarship and Pfizer Research Project Grant researching the role of using epigenetics to improve chemosensitivity in lung cancer. Sem and his team have demonstrated DNA methylation plays the key roles on the epigenetic regulation of immune-regulatory molecules i.e NYESO-1 and PD-L1 in lung cancers. His work was shortlisted as the finalist at the Australian Lung Cancer Conference, and Austin Medical Research Foundation Young Investigator Award.

In 2014, Sem joined as an Associate in Southern Breast Oncology. He has established a close working relationship with the breast surgeons at South-eastern Melbourne. He has seen and treated more than 400 new breast cancer patients over last 4 years in his private practice. He is a member in Brightways Breast Cancer Services at Cabrini Health. Besides his clinical interests in lung and breast cancers, Sem also has his passion in urological and gastrointestinal cancers treatments. He attends urology and gastrointestinal multidisciplinary meetings at both Epworth Health and St John of God Berwick Hospital. He is an invited member for Jreissati Pancreatic Foundation, Epworth Health. Sem was a senior medical staff medical oncologist at Monash Health between 2014 till 2017. He was a clinical lead medical oncologist in Brain Tumour Clinic at Monash Health. This network provides a services to South East Melbourne to Gippsland regions.  

Sem is actively involved in oncological research. He has published scientific papers, articles and abstracts, many of which have been presented at both local and international conferences. He has been an invited speaker at national conferences and invited reviewer in local and international oncology journals. Sem involves in clinical trial at Epworth Health, and he also works closely with early phase trials unit in tertiary hospitals in Melbourne.

Sem is a member of Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) at St John of God Berwick, and member of Patient Care Review at Mulgrave Private and South Eastern Private Hospitals.

Outside of work, Sem enjoys his time with his wife Sharon, and daughters Amelia and Ellery. He also enjoys sports such as tennis, golf and basketball. He is passion for wines. He completed Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level 2 course and qualification.