Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology is a medical discipline rather than surgical, and focuses on developing expertise in the management of cancer patients.

Overview

Medical Oncology is a medical discipline rather than surgical, and focuses on developing expertise in the management of cancer patients. The management of care should be based on well-established standards and should ensure that the patient is cared for as a whole person. This care involves clinical and other investigations, management of the complications of the disease and its treatment and the provision of appropriate emotional, social and psychological support for patients and their families.

The medical oncologist is an essential member of the cancer team and is frequently the central figure in the provision of total care for the cancer patient in the multidisciplinary setting.

Higher Specialist Training (HST)

Requirements

  • You must have completed Basic Specialist Training in the relevant specialty (or an equivalent programme) by the start date for HST. Please note that not all BST programmes offer consideration of equivalence.
  • You must have achieved a relevant postgraduate qualification such as MRCPI in General Medicine, General Paediatrics or Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Please note: we have reverted to the previous regulations regarding the examination which were in place before COVID-19. That is, all HST candidates must have successfully passed their MRCPI Clinical Examination relevant to their speciality before their HST interview date. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
  • You must be currently or previously registered on one of the divisions of the Irish Medical Council, or provide proof of eligibility for registration.
  • You must have proof of competency in the English language in line with HSE specifications.
  • You must have demonstrated an aptitude for, and an interest in, that specialty.