Surgical Oncology is a recognised specialty that deals with the development of attributes essential for surgical management of patients with various types of cancers. Surgical oncologists have a special interest in cancer management and acquire proficiency by dedicated training in the overall management of cancer patients which involves a multidisciplinary approach. A surgical oncologist is well versed with cancer prevention, takes part in decisions regarding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and develops appropriate follow-up plans including rehabilitation and palliation. A surgical oncologist is also expected to have up-to-date knowledge of relevant clinical evidence and regularly participate in scholarly activities related to oncology.

Surgical Oncology fellowship programme at Aga Khan University is a competency-based structured programme spread over two years. Fellows are trained in clinical and skill based training, didactic content & research. The program is structured to give increasing levels of knowledge, clinical skills, responsibility and independence appropriate for their educational level. There is a gradual supervised exposure to various aspects of patient care and operative procedures related to surgical oncology in the local context.

Department of Surgery started the fellowship in Gastrointestinal Oncological Surgery in the year 2001 which was transformed as fellowship in Gastrointestinal surgery in the year 2011. With the development and recognition of Surgical Oncology as a second fellowship by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, the fellowship has been restructured as the fellowship in Surgical Oncology. The fellowship has been designed with a view to incorporate the recent developments to produce highly trained leaders of the future in the field of Surgical Oncology.​