Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Managing inpatients (with complications of cancer or its treatment), reviewing outpatients in clinics. Prescribing chemotherapy, monitoring patients on chemotherapy.

At least half of my day will be spent in clinic explaining their condition and treatment options to new patients, reviewing patients on follow-up after treatment for signs of relapse or long-term complications of their treatment, or reviewing patients during their chemotherapy to see if adjustments to their treatment is needed. I also do a ward round to review my inpatients, take phone calls from patients, relatives and other healthcare professionals, attend multidisciplinary team meetings (where treatment plans for new patients are recommended) and spend 1-2 hours on administrative tasks (such as applying to fund holders for high cost anti-cancer drugs which have not been approved by NICE).

Meeting patients, explaining things clearly to try to reduce their anxiety and making adjustments to their treatment which can usually help them feel better.

It can be very, very sad. You have to be able to cope with the reality of good people dying prematurely.

Fascinating research area and a real opportunity to help people get through what is often the hardest time of their life.

Communication skills
Medical knowledge
Scientific knowledge

We spend one day per week for 2 years within our 4 years of specialist training doing a diploma in Oncology at the institute of cancer research through the university of London.
All medical oncology trainees are expected to undertake a period of research towards a higher degree (MDRes or PhD)

House officer (now called FY1) for 1 year

Senior house officer for 3 years (now called core medical training). During that time, exams for MRCP parts 1 and 2; two written exams and one clinical exam

Specialist registrar in medical oncology ( 1 year)

Clinical research fellow in medical oncology (3 and a half years), MDRes thesis submitted.

Specialist registrar in medical oncology (3 years), diploma in oncology.

I hope to become a consultant medical oncologist within the next 2-3 years.

Get experience in medical oncology as a CMT or clinical fellow before applying for a number so that you are sure it suits you.
If possible, arrange your medical school project and elective in oncology to get experience even earlier and make useful contacts.