RCR Fellow(s): Clinical Oncology Review of Exams (CORE)

The suite of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) exams is one of the most visible and recognisable aspects of the RCR’s work and represent a significant activity for the College. We are proud of our exams and work hard to ensure they are valid, fair, effective and relevant. We are looking for a small group of RCR Fellows (up to 3) to review the exam suite, starting by comparing our current curriculum with the exams offer, in our pursuit of understanding what the optimal exam structure for Clinical Oncologists should be in the future. The role would be suitable for clinical oncology consultants with understanding of the curriculum and experience of delivering training, or senior clinical oncology residents with full FRCR.

Sitting as part of wider training, exams are the central pillars of the assessment of UK resident doctors in training. They are also an important marker of quality for overseas doctors, some of whom will use the FRCR to gain exemption from Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) for the purposes of GMC registration in the UK. Successful completion of the FRCR is also accepted as part of the evidence required for entry to the GMC specialist register via the Portfolio Pathway.

There has been a recent much-welcomed increase in CO training places, creating a need to fill these places to support the RCRs key strategic objective of increasing workforce. The RCRs Clinical Oncology Faculty Leadership Team (COFLT) has therefore been reflecting on FRCR exams. A variety of feedback – some of which is anecdotal and needs evidencing – suggests the burden of assessment presented by exams may be a barrier to CO recruitment. Clinical pressures are well-reported, and the volume of exam material to be covered, notably for Parts 1 and 2A, is significant. Additionally, the financial cost of training is increasingly under scrutiny, driven by factors such as debt related to medical school training. Compared with Medical Oncology (MO) and Clinical Radiology (CR), the cost of entry to the specialist register is greatest for CO, and this is likely also the case for other specialties.

It is essential that we maintain the balance between ensuring doctors’ competence without overburdening candidates. Based on what we know, we are approaching this from the point of view that we do not need more exams, and it’s unlikely that the review will change the capabilities defined by the CO Specialty Training Curriculum.

Fellows will report to Dr Rebecca Shakir, Chair of Curriculum Committee with ultimate accountability to Dr Louise Hanna, Medical Director for Education and Training. Support will be provided by core RCR office staff, and a mentor will be sought for Fellows once we have a clear picture of appointments.

Role Description

Overall goal of the role	We want to assure ourselves the programme of assessment for the Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Curriculum is proportionate, and that the FRCR exams remain relevant and desirable qualifications The appointed Fellow(s), in collaboration with others, will research the following questions: How well is current exam content correlated with the curriculum capabilities it is intended to assess? Is there overlap with the MO curriculum, when considering the purpose of assessment statements for each exam? Is examination the most effective way of assessing the blueprinted curriculum capabilities and if not, how should these capabilities be assessed? What would be the impact on formative WPBAs if there were changes to the FRCR exams? What are stakeholders’ views on the current programme of assessment and exam suite? How do the FRCR exams compare to the Specialty Certificate Examination for Medical Oncology?
The outcome	We would like a report/presentation for the Strategic Training Board/COFLT which makes recommendations for any changes to exams. This would include an account of the methods used – including reflections from trainers and residents – and an evaluation of the conclusions reached and associated recommendations. Ideally this would reflect the initial exploration of any potential consequences of proposed changes, such as for: candidate costs global candidates using it as a mechanism to work in the UK (PLAB exemptions and the evidence base it offers for Portfolio Pathway) candidates who share protected characteristics, such as disabled candidates who require adjustments in exams.
Curriculum relevance	Provides evidence of research, leadership, and quality improvement. Particularly relevant for curriculum CiP 5 and QIPAT assessments.
Duration	Late March to September 2026, dependent on number of participants
Time commitment	We anticipate a commitment of a minimum of half a day a week to the fellowship. We encourage potential resident candidates to have a conversation with their TPD before applying, to negotiate the time needed to achieve the outcomes sought.
Key stakeholder relationships	Curriculum Committee Speciality Training Board Fellowship Exam Board Oncology Registrars’ Forum Exams and Workforce teams Medical Oncology Specialty Advisory Committee Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK General Medical Council
What’s in it for you	Develop investigatory and leadership skills and experience in a non-clinical context The opportunity to influence how exams look for the next generation of clinical oncologists Network with senior leaders and colleagues in your specialty Network with colleagues in other healthcare organisations (GMC, other Royal Colleges) Gain access to national level faculty boards Academic output (papers and presentations at national meetings)
Person specification	Applicants must demonstrate: An understanding of postgraduate medical education An enquiring approach, and an interest in developing leadership skills Commitment to the objective of the activity An appetite for working within high stakes exams, within which stakeholders will have strong opinions Sound organisational, presentation and time management skills The ability to work independently and take ownership of work The ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with clinicals and non-clinical colleagues The ability to research and evaluate issues, identifying options and making evidence-based recommendations An interest in equality, diversity and inclusion Applicants should be clinical oncology consultants with understanding of the curriculum and experience of delivering training or senior clinical oncology residents with full FRCR.

How to apply

Please share an expression of interest of no more than 500 words telling us:

what interests you about this fellowship
how you would define success for both your own personal development and for the RCR; and
your experience against the person specification

Expressions of interest should be sent by the deadline of 9am on Friday 20 February to: [email protected]. We hope to have 30-minute online conversations with applicants on Thursday 26 or Friday 27 February or Monday 2 March, ahead of the work starting in late March 2026.

Apply now