Read about this clinical area and download the syllabi for both sub-specialty and for generic specialty training.
Introduction to this sub-specialty
A paediatric oncologist is a doctor with specialist expertise in managing children with cancer. The cancer may be in any location or system, including the blood (leukaemia), brain or body. They care for children and young people and their families at all stages of treatment, from diagnosis to long-term follow-up or palliative care, and often maintain support for many years.
Paediatric oncologists work closely with haematologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, endocrinologists, and other oncologists, nationally and internationally, to ensure therapies are appropriate and effective. They work locally with psychologists, social workers and teachers to support patients and their families, ensuring that the burden of treatment is contained and that the long-term effects of treatment are minimised.
Evidence-based medicine is at its core, and oncology is characterised by the expectation that patients will be treated according to clinical trials whenever possible.
Training in this sub-specialty
In summer 2023, we launched RCPCH Progress+, our updated, two-level paediatric training programme in the UK.
Paediatricians start in core training, and then move on to specialty training - when some choose to apply to train in a paediatric sub-specialty, such as oncology.
The Progress+ curriculum provides a framework for paediatric training, and outlines the Learning Outcomes and Key Capabilities required at each stage before attaining the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
The RCPCH Progress+ syllabi support the curriculum with further guidance on how the Learning Outcomes can be achieved and demonstrated, with sub-specialty Learning Outcomes. You can download the Progress+ syllabi for this sub-specialty and for specialty training (generic) below.
Trainees due to CCT by September 2024 continue to use the Progress curriculum and syllabi; you can also download the the Progress syllabi below.