Iconic Writers
As Icon grows to bring the best care possible closer to home across new regions across ASEAN, the UK, and soon Germany, it creates new opportunities for our people to support global care.
Today we speak with Mary‑Anne Hodson, who travelled to Bali to support the setup of the new site at Bali International Hospital and help launch brachytherapy.
Meet Mary-Anne Hodson, Registered Nurse at Icon Cancer Centre Wahroonga, Australia
With the support of Group Director Nursing, Margie Hjorth, and Icon’s Nursing Career Pathways Program, Mary‑Anne was one of our Australian nurses who headed over to Indonesia last year to help establish our Icon Cancer Centre at Bali International Hospital.
Q: What was your role in Bali?
I was there to help the Bali team build their Brachytherapy service, establishing workflows, organising equipment, and guiding nurses through scenarios to build confidence with the procedure. I was thrilled to return in January this year and be part of delivering the centre’s first cervical brachytherapy treatment.
While I drew on what I’d learned in Wahroonga and Mildura to support the Bali team during my time there, collaboration with the local team was everything. Working closely with local specialists ensured we shaped the service in a way that honoured local needs, expectations and cultural nuances.
Q: What was the most special part of working in Bali?
Without a doubt, the people. The team in Bali were so welcoming, warm and enthusiastic. Their pride in their site and excitement made the whole experience so special. Many started calling me “Mama Mary” - a nickname I’ll treasure.
It was also a huge honour to be part of opening a new centre overseas and being able to help bring care closer to home.
Q: What do you hope you brought to the team in Bali?
I love teaching, so I hope I brought knowledge, confidence and plenty of practical tips that will support the team long into the future.
It was rewarding to help the team refine their skills and introduce treatment options that weren’t previously available in Bali. My hope is everyone felt supported, empowered and ready to deliver the best care possible.
I was also excited to help introduce the patient ringing of the bell. In Indonesia, instead of ringing a bell, patients hit a gong three times, a meaningful cultural adaptation that made me a little emotional the first time I saw it.
Working in a different country and culture has helped me grow both personally and professionally. You gain a whole new appreciation for how care is delivered, and how important it is to tailor care to each environment, culture and individual.
It reinforced for me that the best care possible doesn’t look the same everywhere. It must be guided by the context, resources, beliefs and community.
Learning from the Bali team, building mutual respect and understanding their perspectives has broadened how I think about patient‑centred care.
