Report and Recommendations of the Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology Closer Working Group

Since 2019, Working Groups from the Association of Cancer Physicians, the Royal Colleges of Physicians and The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) have explored the benefits - to patients, the NHS and to clinicians – of closer working between the two specialties of Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology.

After wide ranging analysis and consultations, they concluded that the best eventual solution would be for Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology – remaining as two separate specialties - to form a new Joint Faculty, hosted within the RCR. However, detailed investigation of current financial, operational and governance issues suggests that this cannot be done now.

They recommended that Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology should establish a joint committee to develop plans for closer working in several key areas including policy, strategy, training and workforce development. They should work towards a Joint Faculty when it becomes possible to do so. The Working Groups have agreed a template for such a Faculty.

The above process and recommendations are set out in a Report and Recommendations of the Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology Closer Working Group.