Our Team

Dr Prasad Cooray is a senior Medical Oncologist committed to delivering excellence in patient-centred cancer care. He has a specialist interest in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, and is recognised nationally for his clinical, research and advocacy work in this field.
Prasad graduated from Monash University with an MBBS (Hons) in 1996. He also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons), receiving an undergraduate research award and publishing work in platelet function and cell signalling. He undertook specialist training at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Austin Health and The Alfred before establishing Yarra Oncology in 2014.
His clinical practice focuses on colorectal, pancreatic, liver, biliary, gastric and oesophageal cancers. He has particular expertise in young-onset colorectal cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer and the development of multidisciplinary treatment strategies aimed at maximising patient outcomes and long-term survival.
Prasad is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Surgery at The University of Melbourne and is actively involved in cancer research and clinical trials. He works closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and allied health professionals through multidisciplinary teams to ensure every patient benefits from coordinated, evidence-based care.
Beyond clinical practice, Prasad is a spokesperson for Bowel Cancer Australia and a passionate advocate for improving outcomes for people affected by colorectal cancer. He has played a leading role in raising awareness of the growing burden of young-onset colorectal cancer in Australia and contributes to national initiatives aimed at improving early diagnosis, access to expert multidisciplinary care and patient outcomes. He is also a co-chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)-funded Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines project and leads the development of national multidisciplinary care initiatives for patients with complex colorectal cancer.
For Prasad, oncology is both a science and a partnership. He believes patients should be informed, empowered and actively involved in treatment decisions. Through Yarra Oncology, he continues to combine clinical excellence, research, advocacy and innovation to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes while maintaining hope and quality of life throughout their cancer journey.

Dr Laura Pellegrini is a medical oncologist who specialises in the management of breast cancer. She is a graduate of Monash University and became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2007. Dr Pellegrini completed specialty training in Medical Oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Box Hill Hospital, Bendigo Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. She was also a clinical research fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.

In addition to working at Yarra Oncology, Dr Pellegrini holds a public hospital appointment at Eastern Health. She has an active interest in clinical research relating to breast cancer and is an investigator on numerous clinical trials.

Dr Pellegrini is a member of Breast Cancer Trials Australia, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Medical Oncology Group of Australia.

Outside of medicine, Dr Pellegrini is a classical pianist, avid theatre goer and an accomplished home cook.

Dr Sid Menon is a medical oncologist with special interests in neuro-oncology, gastro-intestinal and thoracic cancer, and early phase clinical trials. He became a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2018, completing advanced training in medical oncology at the Royal Hobart Hospital and Monash Health, including a clinical research fellow year at Monash Medical Centre with active involvement in gastro-intestinal and phase 1 trials.

Sid worked as a consultant in neuro-oncology and GI cancers at Monash until December 2020 and is currently pursuing a laboratory-based PhD at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, investigating novel therapies in brain and other aggressive cancers.

An asset to Yarra Oncology because of his diverse skill set, Sid also completed a Master of Public Health and Health Promotion through Deakin University in 2010. Sid takes a patient-centric and evidence-based approach to his work, and views honest and empathetic communication as an essential component of cancer care.

Dr Danielle Ferraro is a medical oncologist with a particular interest in the management of breast and gastrointestinal cancers. She graduated from Monash University in 2000 and became a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2011. She completed advanced training in Medical Oncology at St Vincent’s Hospital, Eastern Health and the Austin Hospital. She has also worked a research fellow at the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney, and is currently undertaking a PhD focusing on colorectal cancer through the University of Melbourne.
Dr Ferraro holds a public hospital appointment at Eastern Health, and undertakes regular clinics at Maroondah Hospital and Yarra Ranges health, as well as inpatient care at Maroondah Hospital. She is involved in clinical trials through Eastern Health and actively encourages patient participation in clinical research.
She is a member of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal cancer Trials Group.

Dr. Anthony Uccellini joins Yarra Oncology as a distinguished Medical Oncologist with a focus on genito-urinary cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, and neuro-oncology. Graduating from Deakin University Medical School in 2013, Dr. Uccellini became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians in 2023.

Bringing a wealth of experience to Yarra Oncology, Dr. Uccellini spent four transformative years as a clinical research fellow at the cancer clinical trials unit in the Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre. His commitment to advancing medical knowledge aligns seamlessly with Yarra Oncology’s mission of integrated and patient-centric cancer care.

Dr. Uccellini’s proficiency in clinical trials is underscored by his ongoing roles at the esteemed Walter Eliza Hall Institute and the ANZUP organization. This aligns with Yarra Oncology’s dedication to participating in clinical trials for the betterment of patient outcomes and the advancement of cancer treatment.

A defining aspect of Dr. Uccellini’s approach is his emphasis on patient empowerment through education and understanding. This resonates profoundly with Yarra Oncology’s mission, which champions the patient as the owner of their health. His commitment to empowering patients aligns seamlessly with Yarra Oncology’s vision of creating a framework that prioritises trust, communication, and individualised care.

As Yarra Oncology continues its mission to redefine cancer care, Dr. Anthony Uccellini’s expertise and dedication to patient empowerment through education will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing success in providing holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centred oncological care.

Our friendly and dedicated Medical Reception team – Ruth, Tanya, and Kate – are here to ensure you have the best possible experience at Yarra Oncology. With a passion for their work, they go above and beyond to make sure you feel welcomed, supported, and cared for throughout your journey with us. Their commitment to delivering a high standard of care is evident in every interaction, as they work tirelessly to assist with your appointments, provide information, and create a comforting environment for all our patients.

Clare Senko specialises in gastrointestinal and thoracic cancers. She became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2019, completing research fellowships at both the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre and Molecular Imaging and Therapy Department at the Austin Hospital. She has a special interest in clinical research and precision medicine, with extensive experience in phase I-III oncology and theranostic clinical trials.

Clare is pursuing a PhD at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute developing novel monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of breast, thoracic and gastrointestinal cancers, and holds a current appointment at Oliva Newton-John Cancer Center in clinical trials.