Medical oncology [1]
Medical oncologists are doctors who diagnose, assess, treat and manage patients with cancers.
Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine, MBBS. 2 years foundation doctor training, 2 years core training (CT1-2), followed by 4 years specialists training (ST3-6). This period of training will include your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.
Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings, weekends and on call. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a medical oncologist employed by the NHS, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £40,257, which can increase to between £84,559 and £114,003 as a consultant.
You'll need excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, and patients and their families. You'll be emotionally resilient, have excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills and work well in teams and under pressure. You'll also be very organised for the benefit of patients.
There are approximately 485 medical oncologists working in the NHS in England. In 2020, there were 185 applications for 39 specialty training places. You could specialise in specific cancers such as gastrointestinal tract, urological, cancers of the blood and lymphatic system or cancers of the female reproductive system.
Related roles
Reproductive science is the science of creating life and providing solutions to infertility. Andrology focuses on the field of male reproduction.
For the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying - reproductive science or andrology. If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable. To apply for Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST), you’ll need postgraduate qualifications or considerable relevant experience as a clinical scientist, or both.
NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. As a healthcare scientist working reproductive science or andrology, your salary will typically be between AfC bands 6-9, depending on the precise role and level of responsibility. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, including Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, great attention to detail, good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, great attention to detail, good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Related roles
- Biomedical science [7]
- Genomics [8]
- Genomic counselling [9]
- Knowledge and library services [5]