Key Contacts  

Training Programme Director for Medical Oncology Dr Helen Winter  (Based at BHOC) 

Head of School of Medicine: Dr Carolyn Mackinlay

Associate Dean for Medicine: vacant

Education programme Manager: Louise Peckham  

Education programme coordinator: vacant

Health Education South West Severn supervises all postgraduate medical specialist training in the region. 

Information about the Specialty 

Medical Oncology concerns the specialised assessment and management of patients with cancer. Medical oncologists are trained to use systemic drugs in the treatment of cancer.   Currently these drugs include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy.  Training develops expertise in the management of cancers and these therapies for patients who either have localised or metastatic malignancy.  This includes therapies in the neo-adjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic setting. The role of the medical oncologist is to discuss the treatment options with patients, supervise the therapy and manage any complications of disease and/or treatment that may arise. All such patient management is done in consultation with other clinicians within the context of multidisciplinary meetings and clinical networks.  As cancer care evolves trainees in medical oncology will experience how new therapies are trialled in all phases of clinical trials and the importance of translational research.  In the rapidly evolving field of oncology it is likely more emphasis will be placed on new and novel combinations including immunotherapy, the role of advanced cellular therapies including Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes.   

Training Opportunities in Southwest - Severn 

The South West offers opportunities to train across all tumour sites and develop expertise in the management of all cancers.  This includes intensive treatment regimens used in the management of patients with germ cell and sarcoma;  the emerging role of immunotherapy especially in lung, melanoma and urological malignancies; the rapidly evolving field of cancer genomics; and the identification of actionable targets that are already integrated in the management of lung, gastric, ovarian and breast cancers.   

At the Bristol Oncology Centre, time spent in the TYA (teenager and young adult) unit will support the development of understanding the challenges of managing the young patient with malignancy including late-effects, fertility and psycho-social impacts.  The opportunity to develop clinical trials expertise and experience in translational research is encouraged.  Protected time, rotas and supportive learning environment has been highly rated by current registrars.   

The Training Hospitals 

Bristol Oncology Centre (part of UHBristol Foundation Trust), includes clinic in Weston

Royal United Hospital, Bath (for 1 year of speciality training time) 

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust - Taunton

Cheltenham & Gloucester with clinics in Hereford 

Annual Assessment Information 

Trainees will be assessed annually via a panel. 

Related sites 

JRCPTB Website