Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology is a sub-specialty of Internal Medicine devoted to the investigation, diagnosis and management of people with cancer including preventative and palliative medicine.
A Medical Oncologist is a Physician specialising in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy and biological therapy. A Medical Oncologist is usually the main health care provider for a person who has cancer and gives supportive care to the patient through collaboration of multidisciplinary teams and co-ordination of other specialists. Medical Oncologists are not only involved in clinical care, but also contribute to cancer research (including biology, therapeutics, epidemiology and clinical outcomes research), health education, ethics and clinical teaching.
Advantages of starting a career at TPCH
- Limited to mainly lung cancers, consequently training in hospitals with broader case mix will need to be undertaken
- Opportunity to do elective in Palliative Care
Training Overview
Entry requirements to Training Program
Must pass Basic Physician Training (BPT) parts 1 and 2 prior to applying. Basic physician trainees have the opportunity to choose medical oncology as a career path during the last year of basic training. Trainees that take on medical oncology then spend two years in core training in medical oncology and one year in elective training in a discipline which directly relates to medical oncology.
Selection of Advanced Trainees is a centralised process for available positions in Queensland.
NB: There is an information dinner held each year – contact the Chief Medical Registrar
Overview of Training Program
Three (3) years of advanced training:
- 24 months core units
- 12 months elective units – must relate to Medical Oncology for example, Palliative Care
What rotations are recommended prior to applying for training
No specific rotations recommended however palliative care would be good.
How to improve your chances of selection
Selection is competitive so it is important that you demonstrate a genuine interest.
Attend meetings and symposiums such as:
- Advanced trainee meetings
- Basic science meetings
- Cancer symposiums
- MOGA Annual Scientific Meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
Variety – not doing the same thing every time.
Contact us
Medical Education Unit
Email: TPCH-Medical-Education@health.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 3139 4221
More information
Dr Brett Hughes, Clinical Director of Oncology