Medical Oncology

Fellowship programme in Medical Oncology will provide comprehensive teaching and experience in the fields of solid tumor oncology and haematologic malignancies. The programme is recognised by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan.

Objective

The objective is to produce medical oncology consultants who are knowledgeable in all aspects of care of the patients with cancer, including diagnosis, staging, treatment, palliative and psychological care. They will have the expertise in medical treatment of the patients with solid tumors and haematologic malignancies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, analgesic and supportive control and end-of-life care. They will be able to comprehend and evaluate the merits and demerits of new therapies available, and to determine how these therapies can be incorporated into the care of cancer patients. They will have a sound knowledge of the social, legal and financial issue involved with the care of cancer patients, both during the active treatment and the terminal care of these patients. They will be able to understand the principles of prevention and early detection of cancer, including screening. One of the unique features of this fellowship is the stem cell therapy exposure and experience for the trainees. Patients with haematological disorders and some solid tumors receive transplant at Aga Khan University's state-of-the-art transplant unit. Rotation through this unit will enhance the hands-on experience of the medical oncology trainee and medical oncologist will also understand the principles and indications of autologous and allogeneic stem cell therapy/transplant.

Duration

The duration of training is three years which involves separate rotations with Surgery faculty in learning the management of GI, GU, gynaecology and head and neck malignancies. Electives will also be provided with Radiation Oncology faculty, in research and in bone marrow transplantation. Specific schedule for each fellow will be given in the beginning of each year.

Eligibility

• MBBS or equivalent degree approved by PM&DC
• FCPS in internal medicine, or MRCP, or Diplomate ABIM is mandatory

Scope and content

Skills and clinical training

Fellows will learn how to infuse chemotherapy and be able to perform bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and paracentesis. They will have the knowledge in identifying and treating the toxicities associated with cancer treatment. They will:

• be skilful in coordinating efforts of medical, radiation, surgical, gynaecologic and head and neck oncologists
• understand the multidisciplinary approach required to optimise the cancer care
• be able to interpret the radiological imaging and to coordinate the same into cancer care
• be responsible in giving quality care to the patients admitted to the hospital, seen in the clinics and while receiving chemotherapy, directly under faculty supervision
• be encouraged to treat patients independently especially in their senior years
• have separate rotations as electives in haematology, bone marrow transplantation, pathology, radiation therapy, and breast clinic
• be required to participate in the Tumor Boards, Journal Club, Medical Grand Rounds and other such educational meetings

All essential aspects will be included in the training, including staging, diagnosis, management options and supportive care.

Research

Fellows will have opportunities to participate in laboratory or clinical research in all years of their training with supervision of faculty members. Some protected time will be provided to permit meaningful research experience. Proper experimental design, methodology and data analysis will be encouraged. Results of their research activities will be encouraged to be reported in various meetings. They will be encouraged in attending research and educational conferences held within and outside the country to present their data.

Evaluation

Trainees will be evaluated for clinical competence. Supervising faculty specifically evaluate clinical judgment, medical knowledge, clinical skills (history/exam/procedures), humanistic qualities, professional attitudes and behaviour, medical care, commitment to scholarship, and overall competence as a sub-specialist consultant. Faculty will also regularly review medical records to assess the record keeping and written communication abilities of trainees. The supervising faculty will provide verbal feedback to trainees regarding their performance prior to the end of each rotation. Records of evaluations will be maintained on file for credentialing and will be accessible to trainees for review, upon request. Fellows will be evaluated by the faculty periodically. Formal sessions will be held between fellows and the faculty on a periodic basis to review their progress. The fellowship director will determine whether rotations during which unsatisfactory evaluations are received, need to be repeated; repetition may result in an extension of the fellowship. Repeated unsatisfactory evaluations may be cause for dismissal; that determination is made by a majority of faculty involved.

Positions available

One candidate is taken annually.

Administrative set-up

There is one full-time and two part-time faculty members involved in teaching. Besides teaching, they also have administrative responsibilities. The Programme Director is Dr Nehal Masood, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine.

Full-time Faculty

Assistant Professors

Dr Nehal Masood
MBBS Karachi
Diplomate American Boards of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology

Part-time Faculty

Lecturer

Dr Azmina Valimohamed
MBBS AKU
Diplomate American Boards of Internal Medicine, Oncology and Haematology

Dr Najeeb Niamatullah
MBBS Karachi
Diplomate American Boards of Internal Medicine, Haematology and Medical Oncology