Joseph Mundava’s dedication to cancer care

It’s been quite the career journey for Joseph Mundava from working as an apprentice diesel motor mechanic and bank teller in Zimbabwe to his new role of Manager Haematology and Oncology Services at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside in Brisbane.

In between, there’s been a serendipitous yet winding journey, both professionally and personally, that has taken him through to London, Timaru (New Zealand), Darwin, Mildura and finally to Brisbane.

“My father was a school headmaster and as you would expect, education was prioritised within our family,” says Joseph.

Working in haematology and oncology – as Northside Services Manager since September, 2024 – has provided Joseph with a familiar perspective on the challenges and experiences of cancer patients and one that’s deeply informed by personal experiences in his own family.

“When I finished school, initially I started work as an apprentice diesel mechanic then later as a bank teller for a few years. After that, an opportunity arose for me to study nursing at City University (St Bartholomew’s Hospital) in London and with this, saw the beginning of what has been a very rewarding and I believe, illustrious career,” says Joseph.

After several years of study and hospital placements, a new exciting opportunity presented itself in the form of work at the newly completed integrated Cancer and Haematology Centre at Churchill Hospital in Oxford which changed the trajectory of his career from cardiology to oncology.

His nurse manager at the time encouraged and supported him to switch his area of interest, providing the perspective that she believed he would be better suited to oncology and a career as an oncology nurse.

“I often reflect on this moment as the turning point in my nursing career. Cancer nursing offers a unique chance to support both patients and their families throughout their cancer journey, and the meaningful connections that you build while caring for them are deeply fulfilling,” says Joseph.

“The comprehensive service, backed by experienced specialists, dedicated nursing staff and the supportive Allied Health professionals are the greatest assets here at St Vincent’s Northside,” says Joseph.

Joseph came to St Vincent’s Northside with 15 years of extensive experience in haematology and oncology, having worked in numerous clinical and managerial roles in both inpatient and outpatient cancer units around the world.

He has quickly come to appreciate the incredible skill, knowledge, passion and focus of the St Vincent’s haematology and oncology team, and is full of praise for the excellent facilities and collaborative wrap-around care that they provide for cancer patients.

“It is not uncommon to find that oncology staff have a personal connection or story that draws them to this field. While experiencing cancer personally is not a prerequisite, I have observed in places I have worked, that a cancer diagnosis within a health professional’s personal circle can sometimes inspire a deep interest and commitment to working in haematology and oncology.”

Tragically, this became a reality for Joseph when his father was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2008 - a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. After months of treatment, the side effects became too overwhelming, leading him to discontinue treatment. Sadly, his father sadly passed away in 2011.

Joseph devotes each working day at St Vincent’s Northside to supporting patients as they face their own personal health challenges, while also providing staff with leadership guidance and support.

“Cancer treatment is challenging for everyone, but at St Vincent’s Northside, we are fortunate to have an exceptional, integrated team of healthcare professionals striving for best patient outcomes,” says Joseph.

“For patients and their loved ones, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. While there are undoubtedly some difficult stories, there are also many inspiring ones, where patients achieve positive outcomes.”

Outside of work, Joseph keeps himself fit and active by running regularly, and can often be seen at local community Park Run (5km) events around Brisbane. His proudest achievement was in 2019 when he ran twice as far as he’d ever run previously – finishing the Dunedin Half Marathon (21.1km) in just over two hours and fundraising $1000 (NZD) for the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

St Vincents Private Hospitals

From Zimbabwe to St Vincent’s Northside: Joseph Mundava’s dedication to cancer care

From Zimbabwe to St Vincent’s Northside: Joseph Mundava’s dedication to cancer care

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