Specialist Medical Officer – Oncologist

Job Description

The Dominica Hospitals Authority invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the role of Specialist Medical Officer (Senior Consultant) in Oncology, to lead the delivery of comprehensive cancer care. The Consultant will ensure excellence in multidisciplinary patient care, education, research, and quality improvement in Oncology. This is a vital role within the Medical Services Department, focused on providing specialised care to patients diagnosed with cancer and contributing to the national agenda of cancer prevention and management.

Responsibility

Under the supervision of the Hospital Medical Director, the key responsibilities of the Oncologist are:

1. Clinical Oncology Services
   • Provide full-spectrum oncology care: diagnosis, treatment planning, chemotherapy administration, follow-up, and palliative support
   • Lead oncology outpatient clinics; participate in hospital rounds and multidisciplinary case reviews
   • Educate patients and families on diagnosis, treatment options, side-effect management, and survivorship planning
   • Offer on-call oncological service for emergency and inpatient management
2. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
   • Work closely with Radiologists, Surgeons, Pathologists, Palliative Care teams, and other Specialists
   • To chair Tumour Board meetings, aimed at formulating individualized care plans
   • Consult on clinical and oncological matters with internal and external experts
   • In collaboration with the Radiology Department, ensure the optimization of techniques for patients requiring diagnostic imaging tests and procedures
   • Collaborate with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other non-clinical stakeholders
3. Departmental Leadership & Quality Improvement
   • Undertake clinical management of the Oncology Unit: staffing, scheduling, resource allocation
   • Collaborate on policy, protocol, and guideline development to standardize practice and mitigate risk
   • Participate in medical audits, continuous professional development, and departmental quality-improvement initiatives
   • Guide management on expansion of services and introduction of new services
4. Education, Training & Research
   • Spearhead mandatory clinical training and ongoing medical education for staff
   • Contribute to departmental CME sessions, clinical committees, and research projects
   • Mentor trainees and junior staff; provide clinical supervision and feedback
5. Reporting & Administration
   • Prepare timely, detailed medical reports to guide patient management
   • Attend legal proceedings as an expert witness when required
   • Submit regular performance and activity reports to supervisory leadership

Experience and Qualifications

• A Postgraduate Degree in Oncology from an accredited institution
• A Bachelor's Degree in Medical Sciences from an accredited institution
• A minimum of five years of clinical experience in oncology at a specialist level
• Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary cancer care
• Active engagement in clinical research and protocol development Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to work without supervision
• Sound knowledge of Quality Control Procedures
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to inspire trust and confidence in health professionals and users of the service
• Sound oral and written communication skills
• Excellent human relations skills
• Strong leadership, communication, and teaching skills
• Commitment to compassionate patient and people-centred care

Benefits and Others

The successful applicant will receive a compensation package that will be commensurate with experience and qualifications for the post. The position will be on a contractual basis for two (2) years, with the possibility of renewal upon satisfactory performance.

Working Environment

On-call Arrangements: Coverage is expected when rostered or as required. The Specialist Medical Officer (Senior Consultant) is expected to work in a hospital setting.

Address for Applications

Applications should be sent under CONFIDENTIAL cover to:

The Chief Executive Officer
Dominica Hospitals Authority
Administration Building
Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH),
Federation Drive,
Goodwill,
Dominica

Or email to: hrm@domhospitals.dm or hmdsecretary@domhospitals.dm.

Closing Date: The closing date for receipt of applications is Saturday, August 30th, 2025.