Doctors going through training

Revolutionary training programme launched

The Christie, in Manchester, is spearheading a revolutionary training programme aimed at producing a new breed of cancer care doctors specialising in supportive oncology.

This pioneering initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors grappling with complex health issues resulting from their treatment.

The unique fellowship programme has already seen the recruitment of three dedicated supportive oncology fellows: Dr Ahmed Aboelnaga, Dr Savannah Thirza, and Dr Erdem Kolemen. Over the course of 12 months, these fellows will rotate through three key placements, encompassing acute oncology, toxicity management, inpatient care, supportive care clinics, and palliative care.

Royal College of Radiologists Vice President, Dr Tom Roques, commented:

“As the population of patients living with cancer rises, so does the need for formal, funded supportive oncology services. This model can increase patients' quality and length of life, and improve both physical and psychological symptoms, while reducing hospital admissions and saving the NHS money in the long-term.

“It is great news to see the first clinical fellows starting their training programme. This new generation of doctors working in cancer care will play a vital role for the NHS and patients, and we look forward to watching it grow.”

Oncology training QUOTE

The supportive oncology service at The Christie is unprecedented, integrating a comprehensive array of support services. Annually, around 2,000 patients benefit from tailored care, including psychological support, pain and symptom management, medication optimisation, occupational therapy, and end-of-life care. This holistic approach also extends to dietary advice, endocrinology for hormonal side effects, cardio-oncology, and specialised care for senior adults with high frailty.

The Christie’s supportive oncology fellows will enhance patient care by running daily pain clinics, aiding early patient discharge, and offering remote care to recovering patients. Their training is designed to impart critical knowledge and skills in symptom control, side effect management, psychological support, and complex pain management, ensuring a holistic approach to cancer care.

This fellowship is part of a broader national pilot programme aimed at developing core competencies in supportive oncology. Developed by the UK Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (UKASCC) with the Royal College of Radiologists, the new curriculum will initially be adopted by the three Christie fellows and a fellow from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool. The aim is to establish supportive oncology as a cornerstone of cancer treatment worldwide, with the first fellows set to disseminate best practices internationally upon completion of their training.

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne MP recently visited The Christie to learn more about this groundbreaking service. With half of cancer patients in England and Wales now surviving for ten years or more, supportive oncology has evolved to address the growing and complex needs of long-term cancer survivors. Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that by 2040, there will be 5.3 million people living with cancer in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for specialised care.

 

Image credit: iStock

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