Description
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.
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:
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:
TPCH has current College accreditation for (1) advanced training position.
These questions will vary from Program to Program as thought to be most relevant. If you have any suggestions as to how the information on this site can be improved, please comment.
There are 19 advanced training positions in Queensland but the number of positions available each year depends on how many trainees are completing training. Opportunities as a specialist are limited. Medical Oncologists work in the public and private sectors, both full and part-time.
Medical Education Unit
Email: TPCH-Medical-Education@health.qld.gov.au
Phone: 3139 4221
Editor: Dr Brett Hughes, Clinical Director of Oncology
Reviewed: March 2016