MASTER OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (MCO)
The specialty of clinical oncology involves all aspect of the management of patients with malignant disease, from diagnosis through treatment with both radiotherapy and systemic therapies to management and symptom control in advanced and recurrent disease. Managing cancer in all its various forms requires an inquiring mind, a strong general medical background, good practical skills and full commitment to patient care.
A clinical oncologist requires excellent clinical skills and should be conversant with the basic sciences relevant to both radiotherapy and systemic therapy of malignant disease, the pathological and functional aspects of disease and the basic elements of research in clinical oncology. It is a very clinically focused specialty, with much of the working week spent in direct patient contact in outpatient clinics and on the wards.
Teamwork is very important. Most clinical oncologists work in multidisciplinary teams of oncology-trained nurses, radiographers, physicists, surgeons and other clinicians, all of whom must integrate and communicate effectively. Good communication skills are important, both to patient management and to team working.
Cancer incidence is on the rise and has rapidly become one of the major causes of mortality among Malaysians. Due to increased disease burden and shortage of oncologists, there is a high demand for specialists in this area.
The programme of study comprises two stages as follows:
(1) Stage I in the first year of study comprising:
(a) teaching in basic oncological sciences, cancer pathology, radiotherapy physics and medical statistics;
(b) clinical training with continuous assessment and log book
(2) Stage II in the second, third and fourth years of study comprising:
(a) clinical training with continuous assessment to cover all aspects of “non-surgical” cancer treatment for different tumour sites with emphasis on radiation oncology and use of systemic therapy;
(b) research; and
(c) documentation in a log book of procedures and clinical skills undertaken.
A non-Malaysian applicant whose degree is from a university or institution of higher learning where the medium of instruction for that degree is not the English language and where the applicant wishes to follow a programme shall be required:
To obtain a band of 6 for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic).
1) Entry qualifications
(a) The degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University or an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Senate;
(b) At least two years of post-housemanship clinical experience approved by the Senate out of which at least one year* must have been spent in one or more of the following disciplines:
- Internal medicine
- Any surgical specialty
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
(c) Age 40 years at the point of entry into the programme.
(2) Other requirements
(a) Qualifies for registration as a medical practitioner under the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) of Malaysia; and
(b) Satisfies the Department responsible for the candidate's programme of study in an Entrance Evaluation recognised by the Faculty.
Once a year in month of June.
Offered to Malaysian applicants only
Last Update: 13/01/2025