Position overview

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.

Canberra Hospital is seeking a 1.0 FTE Full-time Temporary (12 months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 24 months in total) position as a Post Graduate Fellow in Medical Oncology. To be eligible to apply for the position, applicants must be a minimum of Post Graduate (PGY) seven at the time of appointment.

It is expected that the applicant will have general experience and expertise in Medical Oncology, with the ability to provide cover across a variety of solid tumour subspecialities and systemic cancer treatments. This is primarily a clinical service provision role with responsibilities for inpatient and outpatient care, and supervision of trainees/junior medical staff/medical students. The position requires FRACP Fellowship in Medical Oncology, and would be suitable for an early career Medical Oncologist within 5 years of qualifying.

The appointee will join the Department of Medical Oncology of the Canberra Region Cancer Centre. The Unit is located within the Canberra Hospital and provides a Medical Oncology service to the Australian Capital Territories and South-Eastern NSW.

Canberra Hospital is the single tertiary teaching hospital for the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding NSW region serving a population of over half a million. It is a modern 600-bed hospital providing most trauma services, most medical and surgical sub-specialty services and is the principal teaching hospital for the Australian National University Medical School (ANU).

The unit supports an active clinical trials research program and has developed translational research links to the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the ANU as well as the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. These collaborations include biomarker development (cancer stem cells and gene panels), compound screening, novel cancer targeting methods (epigenetic and ribosomal biogenesis) and immunotherapeutics. Participation in the research activities of the Medical Oncology Unit are welcomed but not a core component of the role.

By nature of the role, a Post Graduate Fellow would be expected to be full-time on-site during normal business hours.

http://www.health.act.gov.au/our-services/cancer-services/health-professionals/medical-oncology

The Post Graduate Fellow will work with limited supervision from the Medical Oncology Unit Director and staff specialists, and manage patients on behalf of the unit. They will not have a patient load of their own or their own inpatient bedcard.

In addition to a commitment to work, health and safety (WH&S) and contributing to the CHS positive patient focus displaying behaviours consistent with the organisational values of Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Under limited direction of the Director of Medical Oncology you will:

• Manage the assessment and treatment of patients with solid organ cancers by management of inpatients, conducting outpatient clinics, and supervision of cancer treatment.
• Work collaboratively with all members of the clinical team to maximise patient care and treatment outcomes.
• Contribute to the education and training of the clinical team and actively participate in the supervision and training of junior medical staff including interns, resident medical officers and registrars.
• Be familiar with and observe all relevant ACT Health Care policies and guidelines.
• Undertaking other duties as directed, within the approved scope of clinical practice ensuring the delivery of high-quality person and family centred, safe and high quality patient care.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

Fellowship of the Royal Australian college of Physicians (RACP) in Medical Oncology is required.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Daily rounding with the inpatient ward teams to facilitate management of acute medical problems and efficient discharge.
• Representing the Medical Oncology unit at hospital clinical handover meetings.
• Conduct of outpatient clinics to cover staff specialists on leave, manage and review clinical trials patients, urgent new patients and patients with suspected but undifferentiated metastatic cancer requiring diagnostic workup (Integrated Mass Diagnostic Clinic).
• Supporting the Medical Oncology Day Therapy Unit and Cancer Rapid Assessment Unit.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of compassion, empathy and sensitivity.

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent
• Be registered or be eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Medical specialist qualifications (FRACP or equivalent) in Medical Oncology and eligibility for membership of the RACP and Medical Oncology Group of Australia.
• CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, Clinical Governance Framework, Partnering for Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.
• Be recognised as a specialist Medical Oncologist by Services Australia to claim MBS items.

Please note prior to commencement, successful candidates will be required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Approval for second job will need to be submitted annually. Commitment to second job must not impact on the agreed clinical duties of the applicant at Canberra Hospital.
• Adherence to agreed attendance hours including agreement to annual job planning for clinical operational requirements is required.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you require (key selection criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

Your statement of claims against the selection criteria should summarise how your skills and experiences would enable you to fulfil the responsibilities of the position. It is therefore in the interests of candidates to present their application in a way that demonstrates significant outcomes associated with each of the criteria, as well as the capabilities and behaviours that underpin them.

1. Demonstrated ability in clinical practice of Medical Oncology based on sound education and training, with proven ability to practice competently in the specialty, to manage the required caseload and case mix, and to practice safe medicine.
2. High-level communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to provide leadership and work as a team member in a multidisciplinary environment. It is expected that the successful applicant will have a track record as a successful member of a clinical team.
3. Demonstrated commitment to the maintenance and further development of skills in the specialty, including involvement in further education, research and continuing professional development.
4. Demonstrated strong commitment to supervision and teaching at all levels including medical, nursing and allied health professional staff, and evidence of prior experience in supervision and teaching or relevant skills and interest.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.