Continuous Learning in CAR-T Therapy: Sherry Gia
The Impact of the Professor Geoffrey Driscoll Scholarship on Royal North Shore Hospital’s Sherry Gia
Advancing Nursing Expertise Through Scholarship Support
The Arrow Foundation’s Professor Geoffrey Driscoll Scholarship continues to empower nurses who are strengthening the future of cancer care. One of its 2025 recipients, Sherry Gia from Royal North Shore Hospital, recently completed the Cellular Therapies module of the Graduate Certificate of Cancer Care through the Australian College of Nursing—achieving a Credit grade and expanding her capabilities in an increasingly specialised area of practice.
Why Sherry Applied
Working in an apheresis unit that performs stem cell collections – and with her unit preparing to introduce CAR-T cell collection – Sherry recognised the need for structured, specialised knowledge of cellular therapy.
While stem cell and CAR‑T therapies sit within the same broad field, their collection requirements, handling processes and clinical implications differ significantly. Sherry wanted to ensure she was equipped to support her team and patients with confidence as the unit expanded into CAR‑T services.
When Sherry learned she had been selected for the scholarship, she felt “grateful and encouraged”, describing the support as validation of her commitment to advancing her expertise in a rapidly evolving field.
Removing Barriers, Unlocking Opportunities
Without the scholarship, Sherry acknowledges she may not have been able to undertake the course due to financial constraints. The scholarship removed this barrier, allowing Sherry to access highly specialised education directly aligned with the needs of her unit.
“Without this scholarship, I might not have undertaken this course.”
The support provided both practical financial relief and a strong sense of professional encouragement.
Sherry said the scholarship represented “trust and belief in my professional growth and motivated me to fully engage with the learning.”
How the Course Strengthened her Clinical Practice
The knowledge gained through the Cellular Therapies module has already begun shaping Sherry’s practice. With a broader understanding of the entire cellular therapy pathway—from patient selection and cell collection, to processing and clinical application—she is now better positioned to deliver safe, informed, patient‑centred care.
One of the most valuable applications of her learning relates to CAR‑T cell collection, a complex process often performed on heavily pre‑treated patients who may present with low lymphocyte counts or clinical instability. Understanding the scientific principles and critical quality attributes behind CAR‑T manufacturing has empowered Sherry to:
- optimise collection strategies,
- anticipate and manage clinical challenges,
- monitor patients more effectively, and
- communicate clearly with patients about their procedure and what to expect.
These improvements don’t just enhance clinical outcomes—they also contribute to a better patient experience during what can be an overwhelming phase of treatment.
“This improves both the safety of the procedure and the patient experience”
Enhanced Collaboration Across Teams
A key highlight of Sherry’s study was gaining a richer appreciation of the interconnected roles between apheresis, laboratory processing, and clinical teams in delivering cellular therapies. This new knowledge has increased her confidence in engaging in clinical discussions, supporting colleagues and contributing more meaningfully to multidisciplinary care.
“I now feel more confident contributing to clinical discussions and engaging with the team using a shared and informed language,” she noted.
Building Toward Future Leadership
The scholarship has not only lifted Sherry’s clinical skills—it has also strengthened her career trajectory. The qualification supports her progression toward a Clinical Nurse Specialist role by providing:
- a strong academic foundation in a specialised field,
- evidence of her commitment to ongoing professional growth, and
- the skills needed to take on leadership in service development, quality improvement and staff education.
Her enhanced knowledge positions her as a key contributor to the successful introduction of CAR‑T cell collection in her unit, a service that will bring cutting‑edge therapy options to more patients.
A Message of Gratitude
Sherry expresses her sincere gratitude to the family of Professor Geoffrey Driscoll who made her study possible:
“Your generosity has had a direct and meaningful impact on my professional development and on the care I provide to patients undergoing complex cellular therapy procedures.”
Advice to Future Applicants
To future applicants, her message is clear:
“Apply—and make the most of the opportunity. This scholarship not only removes financial barriers but opens doors to valuable learning, professional growth, and expanded career pathways.”