Monday 03 November 2025: 2023 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholar Yael Lefkovits is a medical scientist and trainee medical oncologist from Melbourne with big ambitions in the cancer space, most pointedly to contribute to the development of more individualised, evidence-based cancer treatments and care.
Prior to her scholarship, she held a Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery with First Class Honours from Monash University and an intercalated Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree through Monash and the University of Cambridge, for which she was awarded Dux. She was already published, having had her research into the artificial pancreas published in numerous peer-reviewed articles and textbooks. She had also worked for the World Health Organisation in Geneva, and co-founded a health literacy course for refugees and asylum seekers.
With her RamsayScholarship, Yael studied a Master of Science in Precision Cancer Medicine at the University of Oxford. Her research examined drugs that target a specific mutation in certain cancers, most commonly melanoma, exploring their efficacy beyond tumour boundaries. She received the course prize for the highest mark in MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine, describing it as “a humbling and special moment, particularly as the year also included some big life changes, including having a baby partway through.”
Reflecting on her scholarship, Yael said it was wonderful to join a community of Ramsay Scholars, interesting, engaged people who care deeply about what they do, as well as learn from world experts in her field. Now back in Australia, she plans to complete her specialist training as a medical oncologist and pursue a PhD focused on precision oncology and data-driven cancer care.
In her own words:
The Ramsay Scholarship gave me the chance to study a field I’m genuinely passionate about and to learn from incredible teachers and researchers. It wasn’t just financial support; it represented an investment in curiosity and in the idea that thoughtful study can make a real difference. That sense of trust and encouragement motivated me to make the most of every opportunity.
The highlight of my scholarship was definitely the people, meeting students and academics from all kinds of backgrounds, each bringing their own perspective. Having the opportunity to learn from world-class experts who were so generous with their time was a real privilege. I was incredibly fortunate to join the community of Ramsay Scholars abroad. It’s a wonderful community to be part of, full of interesting, engaged people who care deeply about what they do. Even though our fields are so different, there’s a shared sense of curiosity and purpose that links everyone. It’s something I really value and hope to remain connected to.
I also enjoyed the opportunity to travel to countries nearby, As someone once said, the best thing about London is Paris. Being able to travel and explore was such a memorable part of the experience.
Studying at Oxford was a life-changing opportunity.There is a real sense of connection to the history and atmosphere of Oxford. The lectures and discussions were rigorous and thought-provoking, and it was a privilege to learn from people at the forefront of their fields. That combination of intellectual depth and genuine curiosity made it very special to study there.
My research examined the tumour-agnostic use of BRAF inhibitors, targeted drugs that block signalling pathway in cancers driven by BRAF mutations. While these therapies were first developed for melanoma, emerging evidence shows meaningful activity across a wide range of non-melanoma cancers that share the same genetic driver.
My project involved systematically reviewing and analysing the available clinical data to better understand how effective these treatments are beyond traditional tumour boundaries, and what this reveals about the evolving landscape of precision medicine. The work sits at the intersection of molecular oncology and translational research, highlighting how genomic profiling is reshaping the way we think about cancer classification and treatment. It ultimately formed the basis of my Master’s thesis and has since developed into a manuscript exploring the future of biomarker-driven, tumour-agnostic therapy.
I was very fortunate to receive the course prize for the highest mark in Master of Science in Precision Cancer Medicine. It was a humbling and special moment, particularly as the year also included some big life changes, including having a baby partway through. Balancing study and early parenthood weren’t always easy, but it made the experience even more meaningful.
In the coming years, I plan to complete my specialist training as a medical oncologist and pursue a PhD focused on precision oncology and data-driven cancer care. My long-term goal is to work as a clinician–scientist, combining patient care with translational research to better understand how genomic and molecular insights can guide treatment decisions. I’m also passionate about the role of technology in personalising healthcare, from digital tools that support patients through treatment to systems that integrate real-world data into research and practice. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to a more individualised, evidence-based model of cancer care that improves outcomes for patients everywhere.
Looking back, the Ramsay Scholarship came at a really formative time, one that combined study, research and new beginnings. I’m so grateful for the experience and for everyone who helped make it possible.
Interested in a Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship? Our scholarships support young Australian leaders to study at the world’s best overseas universities and are valued at up to AUD$90,000 p.a. https://ramsaypostgradscholarship.com/
To read more about Yael Lefkovits and her cohort of 2023 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars go to: https://ramsaypostgradscholarship.com/scholars/
Media contact: Sarah Switzer 0407 816 098 / sarah.switzer@ramsaycentre.org