Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity to train in the evolving field of Supportive Oncology at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. We are offering three full-time, fixed-term 12-month fellowship positions, available immediately upon completion of recruitment checks.



The fellowship provides comprehensive training in managing cancer patients across all stages of the disease. Rotations will include acute oncology, psycho-oncology, endocrinology, supportive care (including palliative care), pain medicine, and older adult oncology/frailty. The role is designed to equip fellows with essential skills to support patients throughout their cancer journey.



Applicants must hold MRCP or an equivalent qualification (including MRCGP). Experience in oncology and/or palliative medicine is desirable. These posts may be ideal for doctors seeking out-of-programme experience during ST training or those who have recently completed CCT. The role is particularly suited for those considering careers in oncology, acute oncology, or palliative medicine.



The successful candidates will work within the Trust's integrated Supportive Oncology service, a key component of the newly established Supportive Oncology Directorate. Full GMC registration with a Licence to Practice is required at the time of commencement



There is no on call element associated with this role (although please note variability of work pattern between placements within the job description), the 12-month placement schedule is shown within the job description/person specification.

The successful candidates will be based The Christies Withington main site, and be allocated a clinical supervisor within each of the placements, as well as an over-arching educational supervisor who will oversee the programme. There will be a blend of clinical work and shadowing experience to gain insight into specialist areas of cancer care, and the post holders will be expected to take an active role in providing clinical services in each of the placements. 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.

The fellowships are underpinned by a new national supportive oncology curriculum, through which the postholders will be required to achieve defined competencies. Webinars will provided throughout the year for additional learning.

The fellowship is badged by the UK Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (UKASCC), and is endorsed by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). If the fellows complete the year successfully, achieving curriculum competencies, they will receive a fellowship completion certificate endorsed by UKASCC and the RCR.



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.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



Clinical work will be in the form of placements within the main supportive oncology teams in the hospital, namely: acute oncology, supportive care (including palliative care), senior adult oncology, psycho-oncology and endocrinology. Within these teams, the fellow will take an active role in preventing and managing the adverse effects associated with cancer and its treatment across all settings: inpatient wards, outpatient clinics and on our ambulatory care unit.



Assessments and care delivered will range from complex assessment of physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs to complex end of life care.



Clinical work will also involve the assessment of patients presenting acutely with pain and symptoms, toxicities associated with cancer treatments, and the acute management of these.



The fellow will also gain experience in management of the problems associated with cancer survivorship, assessing complex needs of patients post-treatment and addressing the needs of patients after cancer treatment to facilitate improved quality of life.



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.



On call Commitments



This role does not require participation in the on-call rota.



PERSON SPECIFICATION



Essential for the post



Desirable for the post



METHOD OF ASSESSMENT



1. ATTAINMENTS



Educational



Medical Degree



AF



Qualifications



MBCHB or equivalent



MRCP, MRCGP or equivalent



Additional qualifications in oncology, palliative medicine or GIM



AF/CE



Professional Qualifications



Full Registration and License to practice with the GMC



AF/CE



Research / Publications



Research or service evaluation experience



AF/I



2. TRAINING



Satisfactory progress in previous posts with evidence of competency at CT2/ST2 equivalent or higher.



Previous palliative care, oncology or general practice experience at ST3 level and above or equivalent non-training or evidence of overseas experience.



AF/I



3. EXPERIENCE



Job Specific



Have sufficient experience working in medical specialities (not including foundation level experience) by the advertised post start date.



Have at least 24 months experience in medical specialities.



Ability to work as an effective member of an MDT team.



Awareness of own limitations and consults senior colleagues appropriately.



Evidence of contribution to effective clinical audit



Previous experience in symptom management either in the form of palliative care, oncology or special interest within general practice.



AF/I



Management / Audit



Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit and research.



Evidence of active participation in clinical



research / audit



AF/I



4. TEACHING



Teaching experience



AF/I



5. PERSONAL SKILLS



Acceptability



Good communication skills in verbal and written English Good interpersonal skills Working well in a multi- disciplinary team.



Calm, efficient under pressure.



Knowing when to ask for help.



To recognise personal limitations but to work competently within these boundaries.



Reliable, punctual, hard-



working, enthusiastic.



Awareness of specific needs of patients and carers, issues relating to service provision for cancer patients in hospital and the community.



Empathy with patients and carers involved in tertiary treatments and understanding of their special needs.



Advanced communication skills.



AF/I



Leadership



Experience of leadership in focused project and ability to disseminate results



AF/I



Self- reliance



Motivation



6. CIRCUMSTANCES



Domicile



Within 30 minutes travel time to the hospital.

Abbreviations for Methods of Assessment:

AF - Application Form



I - Interview



R - References



CE - Certification Evidence