A Career in OncologyDr H.K.Lord

Consultant Clinical Oncologist

The basicsAn interest in peopleAn interest in general medicine – lots of itWillingness to study MRCPWillingness to do FRCR or post graduate degree

Career structureFY1 – FY2ST 1-2 trainingOnce got MRCP and ST3 or above can apply for specialist training Medical Oncology 4 yearsClinical Oncology 5 years

The difference?Medical Oncology – specialise in chemotherapy, so usually ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, testicular cancer, sarcoma and breast cancer

The differenceClinical Oncology – specialise in radiotherapy but equally able to give chemotherapy. Can treat all tumour types and hence more flexible.

Exams!!!Clinical Oncology: Fellowship of the Royal College if Radiologists (FRCR)Two parts:

Part 1 is written: Statistics, Radiobiology, Physics and Clinical Pharmacology

Part 2 has 4 components – MCQ, short answered questions, clinical and viva.

Exams!!Medical Oncology: MRCP – Oncology

200 structured questions

MD or PhD encouraged ( 2 - 3 years)

Pros and consClinical Oncology – more job opportunities at senior level. Complete ownership of patient – do not have to refer for radiotherapy.

Medical Oncology – More translational research interest and involvement in new drugs and trials. No physics!

OpportunitiesTravel: Clinical Oncology – Fellowship year encouragedCanadaAustraliaParisAnywhere

OpportunitiesTravel: Medical Oncology: MD / PhD

Anywhere – UK, Europe, US…….

Why Oncology?Get to know patients really wellLook after them in a holistic manner Disease often multifocal so look after all systemsPsychological / spiritual issuesFamily issuesTeam working – surgeons , nursing specialists, palliative care, GPs……….

Why OncologyLots of research going onLots of potential for discovery / travelGenerally attracts “nice” people – good communicatorsMakes life easier…….Niche for everyone – professors to lab scientists, from head to toe.

Oncology could be the Job for you!

Any questions?