This 12-month, 40-hour per week fellowship is part of an innovative national pilot program designed to develop core competencies in the emerging field of supportive oncology across the entire cancer care continuum. Based at The Christie, this role aims to equip the successful candidate with advanced knowledge and practical skills in symptom control, complex pain management, psychological support, and the management of cancer treatment side effects.
We are seeking dedicated doctors who have successfully completed Internal Medicine or GP Training and wish to gain specialized experience in supportive oncology. Ideal candidates will possess a strong foundational experience in medical specialties (at least 24 months) and demonstrate a clear commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care. You must have full registration and a license to practice with the GMC.
This fellowship is uniquely underpinned by a curriculum developed by the UK Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (UKASCC) and endorsed by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). Upon successful completion of workplace-based assessments and national teaching events, you will receive a certificate of fellowship completion from UKASCC. Furthermore, you will be allocated one day per week specifically for a research component, allowing you to undertake, lead, and publish your own project.
As a Clinical Fellow, your clinical work will be structured around three four-month placements within our main supportive oncology teams:
- Acute Oncology, toxicities management, and inpatient care.
- Supportive Care Team, Enhanced Supportive Care Clinics, and Palliative & End of Life Care.
- Psychological medicine, Endocrinology, and Senior adult oncology.
You will take a highly active role in the prevention and management of adverse effects associated with cancer and its treatments across inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and our ambulatory care unit. Your duties will range from conducting complex assessments of physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs, to delivering complex end-of-life care. You will acutely manage pain, symptoms, and treatment toxicities, while also addressing cancer survivorship problems to facilitate improved patient quality of life.
We are looking for an empathetic, resilient professional capable of delivering senior input and working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. You should be calm and efficient under pressure, aware of your own clinical limitations, and possess advanced communication skills to support patients and carers navigating tertiary treatments. Active participation in clinical audit and a proven ability to lead focused projects are essential.
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
The postholder will contribute to the delivery of high quality consultant led care across 7 days. This includes participation in planned weekend and weekday clinical activity to support safe, timely decision making and continuity of care for patients.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The clinical part of the role will involve supporting inpatient, ambulatory and outpatient services in the delivery of supportive treatments using specialist knowledge in acute oncology, symptom control and side effect management. There will also be the option to participate in outpatient clinics to gain experience in the management of pain and common symptoms and support needs throughout the spectrum of cancer care, including late effects.
This fellowship aims to equip the fellow with experience in various aspects of supportive care, providing support for patient with different needs throughout the spectrum of cancer care. It is envisaged that across the year, the fellow will spend allocated time in the following placements:
(1) Acute Oncology, toxicities management, inpatient care (4 Months)
(2) Supportive Care Team, Enhanced Supportive Care Clinics, Palliative & End of Life Care (4 Months)
(3) Psychological medicine, Endocrinology, Senior adult oncology (4 Months)
The appointee will be based at The Christie and will provide senior input into the services outlined above.
Continuing Professional Development
The Trust supports the requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) as laid down by the GMC and surgical colleges and is committed to providing time and financial support for these activities.
Role Planning
Daily working pattern will cover the hours of 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. However, these are new roles, and the work schedule is based on anticipated timetable requirements. There may be occasions where due to clinical demand, fellows may be asked to stay beyond the 5pm finish and if agreeable, the additional time worked would be given back the following day.
Weekend working will consist of clinical activities that are scheduled in advance and reviewed where required as work schedules are reviewed, taking account of service needs.
On call Commitments
This role does not require participation in the on-call rota.
