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.
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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.
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%
Medical & Clinical Oncology consultants looking to start or continue their careers in the NHS are invited to join excellent, large specialised hospital Trust on the South Coast of England. CESR candidates either completed or in process are invited to apply whilst candidates on the specialist will be warmly received of course. The Specialist Oncology Centre is based onsite and provides Cancer services to the local population in addition to parts of Sussex (Chichester) and the Isle of Wight. It is a friendly and integrated Centre, with enhanced treatment and facilities, nursing and pharmacy roles and encourages research and innovation.
They are looking to appoint both a clinical and medical oncologist and they can offer either permanent consultant roles or locum consultant roles with support for CESR depending on whether you are recognised as a specialist in the UK already. Additionally, these roles can cater for your cancer site interests amongst their most needed areas that include breast, brain tumour, colon, lung, head and neck and CNS.
The area combines the advantages of city life with rural villages and seaside towns, whilst the city centre itself is a thriving naval city, steeped in history, on the beautiful South Coast. It is ninety minutes from central London and has good transport links by ferry and airplane into Europe. Water sports facilities are excellent with access to the channel and sandy beaches are within easy reach. Inland is the spectacular and relatively unspoilt countryside of rural Hampshire, and the South Downs National Park.
Job requirements:
FRCR or equivalent for clinical oncologists
MRCP or equivalent for medical oncologists
CCT or Specialist Registration eligibility
IELTS/ OET
Extensive experience as an oncologist with interests in either of CNS, breast, brain tumour, colorectal, lung, head & neck and CNS.
Length of contract:
Either permanent or 24-month fixed term (subject to be renewed)
Benefits:
This centre is a great hospital to work in, below are some of several key benefits to working at at this Centre.
Any Oncology Specialists with interest in breast, brain tumour, colon, lung, head and neck and CNS cancers are strongly invited to apply. CESR will be supported where needed and the trust will nurture your career and professional development goals.
CESR supporting role available for consultants in medical oncology for a trust in the North of England. The trust will support overseas candidates not on the specialist register and is open to interests in a number of different cancer sites.
Job requirements:
MRCP UK or equivalent
IELTS / OET
SCE Medical Oncology is desirable
Extensive experience as a medical oncologist
Previous consultant experience
Length of contract:
12 month fixed-term (subject to be renewed) or substantive for those with Specialist Registration in Medical Oncology
Grade:
Consultant
Associate Specialist can be considered for good candidates lacking enough experience for consultant roles.
Specialty:
Medical Oncology
Interests in urological, melanoma (skin), acute oncology are preferable, however breast, gynae, colorectal, lung and other special interests can all be considered
A new opportunity to join a high performing Oncology Department in the North East of England.
The post will be an excellent option for experienced consultants to work in a well staffed and organised team, with opportunity for teaching and management in the future.
Department overview:
The department is well staffed and the new appointee will join a team of 20 oncologists. The post is predominantly based in the trusts dedicated cancer centre. The cancer care services have benefited from recent investment of £35million, and you will have the opportunity to work within a state of the art facilities.
The post would focus on colorectal or upper GI cancer and cancer of the unknown primary (CUP) with possible work in other disease sites if needed.
The department boasts an expanded chemotherapy unit designed to meet the increasing demand for systemic treatment with established nurse-led and pharmacy-led chemotherapy clinics.
The trust also houses state of the art radiotherapy facilities.
Local area:
The hospital is set in a large town in the north East of England, with an excellent cost of living making this an attractive place to start in the NHS.
The surrounding areas and nearby coast offer opportunity to spend time in some of the most scenic areas of the North East of England.
Requirements for the post:
UK based applicants: