Clinical observerships at The Christie Institute for Cancer Education

You will be paired with a clinical supervisor, who acts as a mentor throughout the placement.

Together, you’ll create a tailored timetable based on your specific learning objectives and interests, ensuring the experience is relevant, focused and meaningful for you.

Our aim is to provide a high-quality, individualised experience that supports your professional growth and fosters international collaboration.

Observerships are agreed for a typical length of 2 weeks, although visits may be extended if additional learning objectives are identified and approved.

The focus is on the quality of the placement, not duration. Clear objectives are agreed at the start to ensure measurable outcomes and a purposeful experience.

Applications may not be accepted if the requested objectives cannot be supported within The Christie’s clinical services.

We welcome qualified and experienced healthcare professionals from across the UK and abroad who wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise in oncology.

You should:

• Demonstrate a clear professional interest in cancer care
• Identify a specialty or disease site of focus
• Provide an up-to-date CV and supporting documents

Please note:

• Observerships are not open to students or those seeking residency opportunities.
• GMC registration is not required; therefore, observers cannot take part in any clinical procedures or patient care.
• We don't currently offer clinical attachments as a standard route.

To apply for a clinical observership, candidates will complete an application form and provide the following documentation:

• Completed application form (available on request)
• Visa or ETA (if applicable)
• Criminal record check from your home or resident country (and translation if applicable)
• Letter of Good Standing from Constabulary or Ministry of Justice Department
• 1 professional reference letter

All applicants must be able to communicate clearly in English.

Although there is not a requirement to hold an English test certificate, it is expected that all applicants can speak and understand English, with an equivalent in either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of level 7 or above (in each part) or Occupational English Test (OET) score of B.

Observers are warmly welcomed as valued members of our educational community. However, observerships are strictly hands-off and observing/shadowing only.

Observers are not authorised by the Trust to provide services of any kind either in an employed or honorary capacity and observers are not entitled to remuneration or expenses. The observership placement may be withdrawn at any time if the observer is found to be in breach of any Trust policies, procedures or the terms of this agreement.

During the placement, observers must not present themselves as an employee of the Trust. The observer accepts that the Trust shall not incur any legal liability upon termination of this appointment or offer any indemnity for NHS work.

Whilst on clinical placement, observers are not permitted under any circumstances to:

• Undertake clinical procedures or prescribe
• Order diagnostic tests or radiological examinations
• Take specimens
• Initiate, advise, order or stop the treatment of patients
• Teach clinical procedures
• Take any part in obtaining or witnessing the signature by or on behalf of a patient on a form of consent to treatment
• Assist with laboratory work
• Patient examination