Dr. Lesley Dawson:
Reflections on the Edinburgh
University Oncology Society
It is about 5½ years since the idea of an oncology society for undergraduates interested in oncology was floated in 2013 and began to come together as part of discussions at an ATRIUM conference in 2014 with the initial meetings that autumn.
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My supporting role has been to connect clinicians, researchers and students to share ideas. Talks from practising oncologists and researchers have been great for all of us – for students in terms of expanding on the limited exposure in the medical UG course and for the clinicians and scientists reminding us what we have achieved to date, but also challenging us about what still needs to be done to treat and support our patients with cancer and their loved ones. We have also seen biological and biomedical sciences students also get involved.
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There has been enthusiastic local engagement with CRUK as part of Stand Up to Cancer, Movember-related talks and activities and as clinicians we have learned lots about how tech savvy undergraduates are in rapidly developing an awesome website (now in a new iteration) and social media presence – we have you in our sights to develop the Edinburgh Cancer Centre website in due course!
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Having the British Oncology Network of Undergraduate Societies' 2018 conference in Edinburgh last month was a clear indication of the enthusiasm for the specialty among undergraduates throughout the UK and this magazine will continue to promote and share it in yet another way.
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I hope that the EUOS fosters an interest in oncology that will stay with you throughout your careers whatever you do. A bit like the specialty of oncology, EUOS has gone from strength to strength since and hopefully one day soon, some of the initial members will be joining us as specialty trainees in medical and clinical oncology.
Dr Lesley Dawson is based at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre with a weekly clinic at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Her interest is medical education and training. She was the Scottish Training Programme Director for Medical Oncology and module lead for the oncology module at the University of Edinburgh before taking on the role of Associate Director for Medical Education for the Western General Hospital in 2015. Having been involved in the MRCP(UK) SCE in Medical Oncology since its inception, she is a member of the Exam Board and chairs the Question Writing Group.
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