Overview
This symposium offers a rare opportunity to experience acute oncology in a multidisciplinary, scenario-based environment. Bringing together clinical expertise, real patient perspectives and interactive learning, the programme bridges the gap between theory and practice — supporting learners to build confidence, clinical judgement and collaborative working skills essential for acute oncology.
Key information
Delivery type
Face-to-face (in-person teaching at a dedicated venue)
Delivery style
- Lectures
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Communication skills workshops
- MDT activities
- Videos
- Panel discussions
Duration
One day
Experience level
Undergraduate / early-career
Cost
Undergraduates: £10
09:00 - Registration
09:30 - Welcome and Introduction
09:45 - Keynote Speaker- Acute Oncology: Where Have We Come From And Where Are We Going?
Dr Ernie Marshall, Consultant in Medical Oncology, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Chair of the UK Acute Oncology Society.
10:30 - Workshop 1
Acute Oncology Simulation, Dr Jamie Weaver, Locum Consultant, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Maguire Communication and Leadership Academy Advanced Communication Skills, Helen Bradley, Senior Trainer, Maguire Communications, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Sandra Ukah, Trainer, Maguire Communications, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Psycho-Oncology Workshop, Dr Olivia Macnamara, Specialty Doctor, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Rachael Smith, Psychological Nurse Specialist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
11:15 - Break
11:45 - Workshop 2
Acute Oncology Simulation, Dr Jamie Weaver, Locum Consultant, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Maguire Communication and Leadership Academy Advanced Communication Skills, Helen Bradley, Senior Trainer, Maguire Communications, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Sandra Ukah, Trainer, Maguire Communications, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Psycho-Oncology Workshop, Dr Olivia Macnamara, Specialty Doctor, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Rachael Smith, Psychological Nurse Specialist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
13:30 - Radiology in Acute Oncology Talk, Dr Uzair Ali, Doctor ST in Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
14:15 - Patient Expert Panel
Q and A session
15:15 - Break
15:30 - MSCC Plenary/MDT
Dr King, Consultant in Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Claire Shanahan, MSCC Co-ordinator, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Dr Sophie Raby, Consultant in Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Mr Muhammad Dherijha, Consultant Neurosurgeon in Spinal Surgery, Salford Royal Hospital
16:30 - Close and End Of Day
What to expect
This one-day symposium offers a dynamic and immersive exploration of acute oncology — a rapidly evolving specialty focused on recognising and managing cancer-related emergencies and treatment complications. Designed to strengthen clinical confidence and multidisciplinary working, the programme combines expert keynotes, focused lectures and practical workshops to create an engaging, high-impact learning experience.
Throughout the day, you will take part in:
- Acute oncology emergency simulations, facilitated by experienced acute oncologists
- An interactive metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) MDT, working alongside oncologists, surgeons and radiologists as they navigate real clinical cases
- Radiology and psycho-oncology sessions, helping you integrate clinical reasoning with holistic patient care
- Communication training from the Peter Maguire Foundation
- Patient-expert contributions, offering powerful insights into the lived experience of cancer emergencies
Delegates will also benefit from valuable networking opportunities, allowing early-career clinicians and AHPs to build professional connections and deepen their understanding of acute oncology practice.
Poster submissions are welcome — apply via SurveyMonkey.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this symposium, you should be able to:
- Collaborate effectively in acute oncology emergency simulations under the guidance of senior clinicians
- Gain insight into MSCC decision-making through participation in an immersive MDT
- Learn directly from leading acute oncologists and a patient with lived experience
- Select from a variety of workshops to develop specific skills, including communication, radiology interpretation and acute decision-making
Who is it for?
The event is open to medical, nursing, pharmacy and radiography students, resident doctors, junior oncology fellows (JOF) and early-career nurses.
How to book/learn more
You can book this course on Eventbrite.
Not ready to book? Find out more
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