Interview with Chantal Rutjes
 | Chantal Rutjes is a PhD student at the Dermatology Research Centre, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland. Her PhD project involves assessing the utility and validating the Artificial Intelligence tools used for automated melanoma risk assessment. Her PhD is supervised by Prof H. Peter Soyer, Dr Clare Primiero, Dr Dilki Jayasinghe, A/Prof Aideen Mclnerney-Leo, and Dr Brigid Betz-Stablein. |
What experiences or background influenced your decision to pursue a PhD?
My interest for (skin cancer) research developed during my Bachelor’s degree which I completed in The Netherlands. During my degree, I came to Brisbane for a 4-month traineeship with the Dermatology Research Centre. After returning to Brisbane in 2019 and having worked in research for a few years, the opportunity to pursue a PhD presented itself and I thought it would be a logical next step in my career.
What is the focus of your PhD research?
My PhD focuses on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and 3D total-body photography in melanoma risk assessment. My research specifically focuses on the clinical utility and validation of AI tools designed to help detect features of skin lesions suspicious for melanoma, both based on lesion changes and features of lesions seen under a dermatoscope (hand-held magnifying tool used to look at skin). In other words: are such tools accurate, of added value, and feasible to implement them in a clinical workflow? In addition, my research focusses on developing an automated method for skin colour assessment, which may aid assessment of an individual’s overall melanoma risk.
What has been the most rewarding part of your PhD journey so far?
The most rewarding part of my PhD journey is the team I have been able to work with. I (have) receive(d) a lot of support and encouragement from all my advisors to really make this PhD my own. I have also been given a lot of opportunities to attend and present at conferences, for which I’m very grateful.
What challenges have you faced during your PhD, and how did you overcome them?
The most challenging part of my PhD has been becoming a first time mum during my second year. Although I have received all the support and flexibility I needed from my advisory team, which has made life a lot easier for me, having a child is a big responsibility and sometimes leads to unexpected moments that need to be dealt with.
What skills have you gained during your PhD that you didn’t expect to develop?
Have you had the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers, locally or internationally?
I have been able to meet and work with other (international) researchers and dermatologists, both through my candidature as well as through my work as a research assistant. It has been great meeting new people and learning from some of the best in their field.
What’s one piece of advice you’ve received during your PhD that really stuck with you?
During the first year of candidature, I attended a workshop about “presenting your research”, which was specifically focused on PhD research. One thing the presenter said was “you are not going to cure cancer”. With that, he meant that the work we do is important, but it is probably not going to save the world and therefore, stop being so hard on yourself. I have always tried to treat my candidature as a job to try and keep a healthy work-life balance, which I believe is a key thing for your mental health too.
