The Specialist Medical Oncologist will be responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients with solid tumours and haematological malignancies. The physician will provide evidence-based systemic cancer therapy, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy, while working closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, nurses, and palliative-care teams.
DHA oncology standards specifically emphasize a multidisciplinary cancer-care model, with medical oncology forming an essential part of the multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate patients with suspected or confirmed malignancies and establish appropriate treatment plans.
- Review histopathology, molecular/genetic testing, imaging, laboratory investigations, and staging information.
- Provide systemic anti-cancer treatment, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Hormonal/endocrine therapy
- Other appropriate systemic treatments
- Develop individualized treatment plans according to current international oncology guidelines.
- Monitor treatment response, toxicity, complications, and disease progression.
- Manage chemotherapy- and treatment-related adverse effects.
- Coordinate patient care with surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, genetics, palliative care, and other specialties.
- Participate in multidisciplinary tumour board meetings.
- Provide follow-up and survivorship care for oncology patients.
- Discuss diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with patients and families.
- Obtain appropriate informed consent before systemic cancer treatments.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive medical records.
- Ensure safe prescribing, administration, and monitoring of anti-cancer medications.
- Collaborate with oncology nurses and clinical pharmacists to ensure safe chemotherapy practices.
- Refer patients for clinical trials or specialized treatment when appropriate.
- Participate in quality-improvement, clinical-audit, research, and continuing medical education activities.
- Follow DHA regulations, hospital policies, infection-control requirements, patient-safety standards, and ethical guidelines.
Clinical Areas
The Specialist may manage patients with a broad range of cancers, including:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Colorectal cancer
- Genitourinary cancers
- Gynaecological cancers
- Head and neck cancers
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers
- Sarcomas
- Melanoma and other solid tumours
- Haematological malignancies, where within the physician's approved scope of practice
Required Qualifications
- Medical degree such as MBBS/MBChB or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Recognized postgraduate qualification in Medical Oncology or an accepted equivalent specialty qualification.
- Eligibility for Specialist classification/licensure with the Dubai Health Authority.
- Valid professional registration/license in the country of practice.
- Current Good Standing Certificate.
- Primary Source Verification/Data Flow as required by DHA.
- Relevant clinical experience in medical oncology.
Under the UAE Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements, Specialist classification requires a recognized specialty qualification, with experience requirements depending on the qualification tier and the applicant's circumstances.
Key Competencies
- Strong clinical knowledge of modern oncology practice
- Expertise in systemic anti-cancer therapies
- Ability to interpret pathology, radiology, staging, and molecular oncology reports
- Excellent patient and family communication skills
- Strong multidisciplinary teamwork
- Sound clinical judgment and decision-making
- Commitment to patient safety and evidence-based medicine
- Ability to manage complex oncology cases
- Good documentation and electronic medical-record skills
- Commitment to continuing professional development
