clinical oncologist

clinical oncologist

An oncologist who is trained to manage cancer patients with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the UK, clinical oncology specialty training begins after Core Medical Training (CMT), which includes completion of MRCP (UK). During specialty training, the trainees must past the fellowship examination of The Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR). The first FRCR examination covers the cancer basic sciences of medical physics, medical statistics, radiobiology, cell biology and clinical pharmacology, and is usually taken after one year of specialty training. Most trainees are ready to take the final FRCR examination two years later, having learnt the basic management of most common and some less common malignancies. The final two years of training after the FRCR examination allows the trainee to broaden and deepen his or her experience, and also provides time for research and gaining the management skills that are integral to a career as an NHS consultant. Most clinical oncologists in the UK participate in academic and clinical research.

Personal qualities
• Excellent communication skills and a balanced personality, able to cope with tragic clinical circumstances.
• Ability to make sound clinical judgments, especially under significant pressure.
• Tact, diplomacy, ability to delegate, inform and listen.
• Hard work and willingness to be a team member without necessarily always being the leader.