Oncology
Oncology in the NHS offers career progression, leadership, a clear pathway to specialist registration with a competitive salary....
Oncology in the NHS branches into two main sub-specialisms, medical oncology and clinical oncology. Clinical oncology is the branch of oncology more commonly referred to as radiation oncology outside the UK, though a clinical oncologist's duties encompass both systematic and radiotherapy treatments in the UK. Cancer waiting times are one of the most critical performance indicators an NHS trust is judged upon, and as such oncology is an area with significant demand, as despite large numbers of oncologists registered in the UK, the numbers of qualified oncologists is relatively low when compared to vacancy rates. This means there are many fantastic opportunities available both medical and clinical oncologists interested in joining the NHS, with many NHS trusts offering excellent support with CESR, specialty training applications and general career & sub-specialty development and registration support. Leadership roles with significant career development opportunities are also available to most specialists entering the UK system, and generally motivated clinicians looking to develop in any area of specialisation or leadership in the UK will be supported to do so.
Requirements for an overseas doctor in these areas:
- IELTS or OET
- Medical Oncologists must obtain MRCP
- Clinical Oncologists must obtain FRCR (Oncology)
- EEA applicants only require IELTS or OET (plus their Recognised European Qualification) for GMC registration
Have you taken a look at our IMG Library?
Read interesting articles written by our specialist IMG teams including relevant articles on:
- IELTS or OET
- GMC Registration
- MRCP
- FRCR (Oncology)
- Equivalent Qualifications
- An Oncologist's Route to the UK
What can you expect to do as part of a typical working week in the NHS?
Clinical oncologists often work in specialist cancer hospitals, large acute teaching hospitals, district general hospitals or private sector clients. Radiotherapy treatments sessions, multidisciplinary team meetings, outpatient clinic, consultations and follow-ups, inpatient ward rounds, reports writing for GPs, teaching sessions for juniors and trainees and very importantly, research, will all form part of your working week. Research is an integral part of clinical oncology.
Medical oncologists work to provide the best possible outcome for cancer patients, whether that is cure, or palliation and prolongation of good quality life. In addition, they provide counselling for patients and their families, whilst clinical research is an important feature of their role like clinical oncologists. Clinical care, clinical trials, laboratory and translational cancer research form an integral part of the training, and they are trained to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, being able to advise on all aspects of treatment including surgery and radiotherapy as well as having the skills to administer systemic therapies. A medical oncologists work also includes diagnosing cancers, discussing treatment options with patients, arranging and supervising drug treatment and therapies including the management of any complications that may arise and supporting patients and overseeing their care, including their lives after treatment.
Medical oncologists treat patients who have localised or metastatic malignancy in need of systemic therapy. They also treat patients whose cancer has potentially been cured by surgery but for whom further therapy improves their outlook.
Medical and clinical oncologists often work in partnership together, and clinical oncology covers both the therapeutic administration of ionising radiation (radiotherapy) and cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, only clinical oncologists administer radiotherapy.
Did you know?
NHS Cancer targets work to 85% of patients to start their first cancer treatment for cancer within two months of an urgent GP referral. This timeframe is also applied to patients referred from an NHS cancer screening service however the operational threshold is set at 90%
What is the Welsh Health Board like?
The Health Board are one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK, providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 390,000. They have a budget of around £1bn and employ approximately 12,500 staff. Besides their three major hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. Their mission is to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of the people of Wales and the rest of the world.
What is the Oncology Department like?
This Cancer Centre provides a high degree of specialisation for all the major cancers. It has one dedicated ward of 30 beds (with scope to increase to 36 beds at periods of high demand) for both oncology and haematology patients, together with a chemotherapy and haematology day unit, and an aseptic unit on site. There are also two laminar flow rooms for patients requiring bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and one dedicated room for radioactive isotope therapy.
There is a state of the art telemedicine facility allowing regular multi-professional meetings between oncologists, physicians, surgeons and AHPs in Wales. The system has the capacity to transmit and view both high quality radiological images and histopathological slides.
The staff is highly experienced, consisting of nurses, radiographers, research officers and admin staff. The new consultant will be joining a friendly and forward-thinking consultant team of clinical and medical oncologists who are committed to delivering highest standards of cancer care, alongside a large team of other clinical and non-clinical professionals.
What Career Development and Opportunities are available?
The Cancer Centre is heavily involved in training which takes place at all levels from undergraduate lectures and clinical teaching, through to Foundation and Core Medical trainee clinical and educational supervision, and higher specialist training. They will also provide excellent CESR support.
Life in South Wales
Based in South Wales, the area is fast becoming one of the most popular places to live in the UK. This waterfront location is actually Wales’s second most populated city and county, offering all the benefits and amenities of a built-up urban environment, alongside a 5 mile stretch of a pristine, sandy coastline.
The city is home to multiple live music venues, showcasing everything from small gigs to orchestral performances. Annually, the city hosts a number of different festivals, attracting artists from across Wales and the UK. Today, new regeneration is planned which will only increase its popularity, amenities, and modernity. The city is experiencing a period of development and a resurgence of new business and investment, with the city council focusing on creating a culture of creativity and an emphasis on attracting tech led businesses.
The area also has good travel links. Its an easy drive to Port Talbot and Cardiff and you can get to London via the M4, and around Wales on the A48. There are also regular trains to Cardiff, Newport and London. For international and domestic flights, Cardiff Airport is just 44 miles away.
Am I eligible for this role?
EEA candidates:
• Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Medical Oncology
• Extensive experience in oncology
Non-EEA candidates:
• FRCR, MRCP, or any other GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification (e.g. FRANZCR Radiation Oncology)
• Extensive experience in oncology
UK-based candidates:
• Extensive experience in oncology
• Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Medical Oncology
This is a great job for any experienced overseas Medical Oncologists working towards CESR and specialist registration in the UK.
This is a high performing and supportive department for overseas doctors new to the NHS, or UK-based doctors looking to further careers in the UK, and a great opportunity for any overseas oncologists looking for CESR support and great career development in a beautiful part of England, filled with sandy beaches and offering vibrant city living.
What is the Welsh Health Board like?
The Health Board are one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK, providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 390,000. They have a budget of around £1bn and employ approximately 12,500 staff. Besides their three major hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. Their mission is to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of the people of Wales and the rest of the world.
What is the Oncology Department like?
This Cancer Centre provides a high degree of specialisation for all the major cancers. It has one dedicated ward of 30 beds (with scope to increase to 36 beds at periods of high demand) for both oncology and haematology patients, together with a chemotherapy and haematology day unit, and an aseptic unit on site. There are also two laminar flow rooms for patients requiring bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and one dedicated room for radioactive isotope therapy.
There is a state of the art telemedicine facility allowing regular multi-professional meetings between oncologists, physicians, surgeons and AHPs in Wales. The system has the capacity to transmit and view both high quality radiological images and histopathological slides.
The staff are highly experienced, consisting of nurses, radiographers, research officers and admin staff. The new consultant will be joining a friendly and forward-thinking consultant team of clinical and medical oncologists who are committed to delivering highest standards of cancer care, alongside a large team of other clinical and non-clinical professionals.
What Career Development and Opportunities are available?
The Cancer Centre is heavily involved in training which takes place at all levels from undergraduate lectures and clinical teaching, through to Foundation and Core Medical trainee clinical and educational supervision, and higher specialist training. They will also provide excellent CESR support.
Life in South Wales
Based in South Wales, the area is fast becoming one of the most popular places to live in the UK. This waterfront location is actually Wales’s second most populated city and county, offering all the benefits and amenities of a built-up urban environment, alongside a 5 mile stretch of a pristine, sandy coastline.
The city is home to multiple live music venues, showcasing everything from small gigs to orchestral performances. Annually, the city hosts a number of different festivals, attracting artists from across Wales and the UK. Today, new regeneration is planned which will only increase its popularity, amenities, and modernity. The city is experiencing a period of development and a resurgence of new business and investment, with the city council focusing on creating a culture of creativity and an emphasis on attracting tech led businesses.
The area also has good travel links. It is an easy drive to Port Talbot and Cardiff and you can get to London via the M4, and around Wales on the A48. There are also regular trains to Cardiff, Newport and London. For international and domestic flights, Cardiff Airport is just 44 miles away.
Am I eligible for this role?
EEA candidates:
• Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Medical Oncology
• Extensive experience in Breast oncology
Non-EEA candidates:
• MRCP
• Extensive experience in Breast oncology
UK-based candidates:
• Extensive experience in Melanoma and Breast oncology
• Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Medical Oncology
This is a great job for any experienced overseas Medical Oncologists working towards CESR and specialist registration in the UK.
This specialist cancer centre are looking for full-time, permanent or fixed-term Medical or Clinical Oncology Consultants specialising in Colorectal Cancers primarily, though they will be flexible across a wide range of cancer sites. Clinical oncologists applying for this role should have good experience with all types of systemic anti-cancer treatment. The trust is considering either UK or Overseas trained doctors for these posts and will support with CESR for those that need it. A full induction programme is provided and is well set-up for any doctors new to the NHS. This is a high-performing and supportive department for cancer specialists to develop and grow in a highly specialised NHS setting.
THE HEALTH BOARD
It is a highly-respected specialist treatment, teaching, research and development centre for non-surgical tertiary and secondary oncology services. It is proud of its reputation for providing a first-class patient experience where the patient are at the centre of everything it does. It has created an environment of compassion and care, where staff go the ‘extra mile’ to meet the needs of patients, families and carers. The first Cancer Patient Experience Survey produced by the Welsh Government and Macmillan Cancer Support highlighted it as one of the best in the UK.
THE ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT AND TEAM:
The department is responsible for SACT services for adults with solid tumours in the region of Wales. The majority (60%) of day-case services are delivered on site, while there is a long-established network of outreach sites in LHB acute and community hospitals, and based with 3rd-sector providers.
Based on its professional and public reputation for delivering excellence in terms of patient and staff experience, the Trust has has been selected to lead the ‘Transforming Cancer Services’ programme and to build a new hospital. The new site will be a £200million pound development and will open in the coming years. It will be nearly twice the size of the current hospital and will be equipped with brand new, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities
The new site will have 10 new linear accelerators, 2 CT and 2 MRI scanners to support precision image-guided and adaptive radiotherapy. There will be a dedicated clinical trials treatment unit including a 10-bedded early phase trials unit, and 2 isotope cubicles for molecular radiotherapy treatments.
LIFE IN WALES:
Wales has a lot to offer, and the local area has recently beaten off popular regions of the North West and South West to be awarded the city with the “Best Quality of Life”. The City is easily accessible via motorway, and London is a comfortable drive away. It has rail links to the rest of the UK and has good international access.
There is also spectacular countryside, a National Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a beautiful coastline.
The people of Wales are immensely proud of our rich history and culture, which can been seen throughout our many castles and museums, and of our ancient language which you can try out for yourself. Above all else, they are proud of their friendliness and welcome (and singing ability!). The area has been assessed as one of the top cities in the UK and compares very favourably with many larger cities for house price growth, the cost of renting, average salaries and quality of life. There is a wide choice of schooling including English- and Welsh-medium schools at all levels. The local University offers a wide variety of highly rated courses and ensure that the city is is a thriving city for young people.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
To be eligible for this vacancy you will need the following:
EEA Candidates:
- Recognised Specialist Qualification in Medical Oncology or Clinical Oncology
- IELTS or OET
- Experience or interest in Colorectal
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCP or FRCR (clinical oncology) Qualification
- IELTS or OET
- Experience or interest in Colorectal
UK-Based Candidates:
- Experience or interest in Colorectal
- Experience at Consultant Grade
This is a great opportunity for any experienced Medical or Clinical Oncologist working towards CESR in the UK and Specialist Registration in Oncology in the UK. There will be opportunity to develop and lead on sub-specialist areas of cancer care.
This is a great job for any overseas oncologists looking for any overseas oncologists looking for CESR-support and great career development in a beautiful part of Wales.
What is the Welsh Health Board like?
The Health Board are one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK, providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of over 900,000. They have a budget of around £1bn and employ approximately 12,500 staff. Besides their three major hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. Their mission is to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of the people of Wales and the rest of the world.
What is the Oncology Department like?
This Cancer Centre provides a high degree of specialisation for all the major cancers. It has one dedicated ward of 30 beds (with scope to increase to 36 beds at periods of high demand) for both oncology and haematology patients, together with a chemotherapy and haematology day unit, and an aseptic unit on site. There are also two laminar flow rooms for patients requiring bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and one dedicated room for radioactive isotope therapy. There is a state of the art telemedicine facility allowing regular multi-professional meetings between oncologists, physicians, surgeons and AHPs in Wales. The system has the capacity to transmit and view both high quality radiological images and histopathological slides. The department is also developing a SABR programme for lung cancer.
The clinical team are supported by highly-experienced support teams of nurses, radiographers, research officers and admin staff. The new consultant will be joining a friendly and forward thinking consultant team of 14 clinical and medical oncologists who are committed to delivering highest standards of cancer care. There are also 9 Specialty Registrars in Oncology (6 Clinical and 3 Medical).
What Career Development and Opportunities are available?
The Cancer Centre is heavily involved in training. This training takes place at all levels from undergraduate lectures and clinical teaching, through to Foundation and Core Medical trainee clinical and educational supervision, and higher specialist training. There is real opportunity to progress through CESR at pace here, with a strong desire for newly-qualified consultants to develop their specialty areas of interest and undertake in various cancer trials and research projects where possible. Learning and development is very much a key focus and drive for the Trust.
Life in South Wales
Based in South Wales, the area is fast becoming one of the most popular places to live in the UK. This waterfront location is actually Wales’s second most populated city and county, offering all the benefits and amenities of a built-up urban environment, alongside a 5 mile stretch of a pristine, sandy coastline.
The city is home to multiple live music venues, showcasing everything from small gigs to orchestral performances. Annually, the city hosts a number of different festivals, attracting artists from across Wales and the UK. Today, new regeneration is planned which will only increase its popularity, amenities, and modernity. The city is experiencing a period of development and a resurgence of new business and investment, with the city council focusing on creating a culture of creativity and an emphasis on attracting tech led businesses.
The area also has good travel links. Its an easy drive to Port Talbot and Cardiff and you can get to London via the M4, and around Wales on the A48. There are also regular trains to Cardiff, Newport and London. For international and domestic flights, Cardiff Airport is just 44 miles away.
Am I eligible for this role?
EEA candidates:
• Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Clinical Oncology
• Extensive experience in Lung oncology
Non-EEA candidates:
• FRCR or FRANZCR Radiation Oncology
• Extensive experience in Lung oncology
UK-based candidates:
• Extensive experience in Lung oncology
• Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Clinical Oncology
This is a great job for any experienced overseas Clinical Oncologists working towards CESR and specialist registration in the UK.
This is a great job for any overseas oncologists looking for any overseas oncologists looking for CESR-support and great career development in a beautiful part of Wales.
What is the Welsh Health Board like?
The Health Board are one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK, providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of over 900,000. They have a budget of around £1bn and employ approximately 12,500 staff. Besides their three major hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. Their mission is to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of the people of Wales and the rest of the world.
What is the Oncology Department like?
This Cancer Centre provides a high degree of specialisation for all the major cancers. It has one dedicated ward of 30 beds (with scope to increase to 36 beds at periods of high demand) for both oncology and haematology patients, together with a chemotherapy and haematology day unit, and an aseptic unit on site. There are also two laminar flow rooms for patients requiring bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and one dedicated room for radioactive isotope therapy. There is a state of the art telemedicine facility allowing regular multi-professional meetings between oncologists, physicians, surgeons and AHPs in Wales. The system has the capacity to transmit and view both high quality radiological images and histopathological slides. The department is also developing a SABR programme for lung cancer.
The clinical team are supported by highly-experienced support teams of nurses, radiographers, research officers and admin staff. The new consultant will be joining a friendly and forward thinking consultant team of 14 clinical and medical oncologists who are committed to delivering highest standards of cancer care. There are also 9 Specialty Registrars in Oncology (6 Clinical and 3 Medical).
What Career Development and Opportunities are available?
The Cancer Centre is heavily involved in training. This training takes place at all levels from undergraduate lectures and clinical teaching, through to Foundation and Core Medical trainee clinical and educational supervision, and higher specialist training. There is real opportunity to progress through CESR at pace here, with a strong desire for newly-qualified consultants to develop their specialty areas of interest and undertake in various cancer trials and research projects where possible. Learning and development is very much a key focus and drive for the Trust.
Life in South Wales
Based in South Wales, the area is fast becoming one of the most popular places to live in the UK. This waterfront location is actually Wales’s second most populated city and county, offering all the benefits and amenities of a built-up urban environment, alongside a 5 mile stretch of a pristine, sandy coastline.
The city is home to multiple live music venues, showcasing everything from small gigs to orchestral performances. Annually, the city hosts a number of different festivals, attracting artists from across Wales and the UK. Today, new regeneration is planned which will only increase its popularity, amenities, and modernity. The city is experiencing a period of development and a resurgence of new business and investment, with the city council focusing on creating a culture of creativity and an emphasis on attracting tech led businesses.
The area also has good travel links. Its an easy drive to Port Talbot and Cardiff and you can get to London via the M4, and around Wales on the A48. There are also regular trains to Cardiff, Newport and London. For international and domestic flights, Cardiff Airport is just 44 miles away.
Am I eligible for this role?
EEA candidates:
• Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Clinical Oncology
• Extensive experience in Urology, Colorectal Cancer and Acute Oncology Services
Non-EEA candidates:
• FRCR or FRANZCR Radiation Oncology
• Extensive experience in Urology, Colorectal cancer and Acute Oncology Services
UK-based candidates:
• Extensive experience in Urology, Colorectal cancer and Acute Oncology Services
• Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Clinical Oncology
This is a great job for any experienced overseas Clinical Oncologists working towards CESR and specialist registration in the UK.
This is a great job for any overseas oncologists looking for any overseas oncologists looking for any overseas oncologists looking for CESR support, with opportunity for sandy beach or vibrant city living.
What is the Welsh Health Board like?
The Health Board are one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK, providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 390,000. They have a budget of around £1bn and employ approximately 12,500 staff. Besides their three major hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. Their mission is to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of the people of Wales and the rest of the world.
What is the Oncology Department like?
This Cancer Centre provides a high degree of specialisation for all the major cancers. It has one dedicated ward of 30 beds (with scope to increase to 36 beds at periods of high demand) for both oncology and haematology patients, together with a chemotherapy and haematology day unit, and an aseptic unit on site. There are also two laminar flow rooms for patients requiring bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and one dedicated room for radioactive isotope therapy.
There is a state of the art telemedicine facility allowing regular multi-professional meetings between oncologists, physicians, surgeons and AHPs in Wales. The system has the capacity to transmit and view both high quality radiological images and histopathological slides.
The staff is highly experienced, consisting of nurses, radiographers, research officers and admin staff. The new consultant will be joining a friendly and forward-thinking consultant team of clinical and medical oncologists who are committed to delivering highest standards of cancer care, alongside a large team of other clinical and non-clinical professionals.
What Career Development and Opportunities are available?
The Cancer Centre is heavily involved in training which takes place at all levels from undergraduate lectures and clinical teaching, through to Foundation and Core Medical trainee clinical and educational supervision, and higher specialist training. They will also provide excellent CESR support.
Life in South Wales
Based in South Wales, the area is fast becoming one of the most popular places to live in the UK. This waterfront location is actually Wales’s second most populated city and county, offering all the benefits and amenities of a built-up urban environment, alongside a 5 mile stretch of a pristine, sandy coastline.
The city is home to multiple live music venues, showcasing everything from small gigs to orchestral performances. Annually, the city hosts a number of different festivals, attracting artists from across Wales and the UK. Today, new regeneration is planned which will only increase its popularity, amenities, and modernity. The city is experiencing a period of development and a resurgence of new business and investment, with the city council focusing on creating a culture of creativity and an emphasis on attracting tech led businesses.
The area also has good travel links. Its an easy drive to Port Talbot and Cardiff and you can get to London via the M4, and around Wales on the A48. There are also regular trains to Cardiff, Newport and London. For international and domestic flights, Cardiff Airport is just 44 miles away.
Am I eligible for this role?
EEA candidates:
• Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Medical Oncology
• Extensive experience in Melanoma and Breast oncology
Non-EEA candidates:
• MRCP or FRANZCR Radiation Oncology
• Extensive experience in Melanoma and Breast oncology
UK-based candidates:
• Extensive experience in Melanoma and Breast oncology
• Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Medical Oncology
This is a great job for any experienced overseas Medical Oncologists working towards CESR and specialist registration in the UK.