Calling all Fellows and Members!
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) is seeking a new Chair to lead its Oncology Expert Group. This group plays a crucial role in advancing cancer treatment, covering haematological and solid tumours, systemic anti-cancer therapies, immuno-oncology, targeted radio-isotope therapy, oncology-related devices, diagnostics, and AI applications in cancer care.
The group also addresses broader public and clinical issues, including cancer prevention, screening, clinical trial participation, informed consent, palliative care, and global access to treatments. Additionally, it contributes to shaping regulatory guidelines and enhancing patient support.
As Chair, you will guide the group’s work through reports, blogs, stakeholder engagement, events, and consultation responses, driving meaningful impact in oncology.
Remit and what we’ve been up to
The Oncology Expert Group plays a vital role in shaping discussions and policies around oncology treatment and research. Our remit includes evaluating emerging therapies, engaging with regulatory bodies, and contributing to the development of clinical guidelines to improve patient care.
Recently, we have been involved in several key initiatives:
- Consultation on Clinical Evaluation of Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals in Oncology – Scientific Guideline
- We provided expert input on the clinical evaluation of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring that emerging treatments align with scientific rigour and patient safety considerations.
- Consultation on the Draft Scope for Advanced Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Management (Partial Update)
- We contributed to the review process, helping to refine and enhance the clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing advanced breast cancer, ensuring they reflect the latest evidence and innovations.
- NHS Change – The 10-Year Health Plan for England
- We engaged with this strategic initiative, offering insights into how oncology services can be optimized over the next decade, with a focus on patient access, technological advancements, and integration of new therapies into healthcare pathways.
Through these activities, the group continues to influence oncology practice and policy, ensuring that new treatments and healthcare strategies meet the highest standards of care.
Operational
The Oncology Expert Group operates remotely, offering flexible participation for its members. The Chair serves a three-year term, beginning from the date of their first meeting.
While the group’s workload varies, the Chair should expect to dedicate approximately three hours per week on average. This includes leading discussions, overseeing projects, and engaging with group members.
Any conflicts of interest or related concerns will be managed as they arise, ensuring the group’s work remains transparent, ethical, and impactful.
Experience (desired but not essential)
While specific expertise is not mandatory, the following experience and skills would be beneficial for prospective members of the Oncology Expert Group:
- Clinical or Research Experience in Oncology – Background in pharmaceutical medicine, clinical practice, translational research, or drug development related to oncology.
- Regulatory and Policy Knowledge – Understanding of regulatory frameworks, market access, and healthcare policies impacting oncology treatments.
- Engagement with Industry or Academia – Experience collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic institutions, or healthcare organizations.
- Patient Advocacy and Public Health Awareness – Interest in patient-centred care, clinical trial participation, and ethical considerations in oncology treatment.
- Stakeholder Collaboration – Experience working with regulatory bodies, NHS, international health organizations, or professional associations.
- Strong Communication Skills – Experience in report writing, stakeholder engagement, or public speaking.
- Leadership or Project Management Experience – Particularly in multidisciplinary teams.
If you are passionate about oncology, policy development, and patient-centred care, and want to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical medicine, we invite you to join FPM’s Oncology Expert Group!
How to join
If you would like to join this group, and are a Member (MFPM) or Fellow (FFPM) of FPM, please email fpm@fpm.org.uk with your CV and a short cover letter (max 300 words) outlining your experience and interest in the role.
FPM welcomes and actively seeks to recruit people to its activities regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. FPM aspires to reflect the diversity of its members in all its committees, senior roles and staff in general.
Closing date for applications: 17:00 (UK time) on Friday 28 February 2025
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. The interview panel will be: Dr Birge Berns FFPM, Chair of the Policy and Communications Group, and Will Strange, Head of Marketing and Communications.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.