2024 Clinical Oncology ST3 Self-Assessment Guidance

As part of your application for Clinical Oncology ST3, you will be required to complete a self-assessment along with submitting supporting evidence to justify your score.

Important: Accuracy

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this page. The information presented is accurate at the time of publication.

In this self-assessment you will be awarded points based on the details you give regarding your achievements and qualifications. You will be required to select the most appropriate option from a list of statements within each of the 10 domains of achievements. All achievements should relate to the field of medicine (in its broadest sense, for example, not just hospital medicine).

The options, scores available and supplementary guidance will be provided further down.

The options you select must be at your own discretion. We have attempted to clarify the wording of options below, but under no circumstances can we advise you on which options to select.

Experiences and achievements will not always fit neatly under one option or another. You will need to use your professional judgement to ascertain which of the available options is the most appropriate to the best of your knowledge and belief. If more than one statement matches your achievements, you should select the highest-level option on the list.

You will be required to add text for each selection to demonstrate why you chose that option.

Scores not adjustable after submission

You cannot amend this section after should you make a mistake on your application form or gained an achievement after the submission of your application; for example, if you subsequently pass a section of the MRCP(UK), this cannot be added to your score.

Important: Over-claiming

In instances of candidates blatantly or persistently trying to gain an unfair advantage by over-claiming scores for and/or exaggerating their achievements will be taken extremely seriously. This could lead to an application being deemed not appointable, or, in very serious cases, could be reported as a probity matter to the GMC; however, this is a very rare outcome and only in cases of overt cheating.

Completed achievements only

When you come to submit your application, all of the information within it must be accurate at the time of submission. Any qualifications not yet gained, courses not yet taken, presentations not yet given should not be included at this point. 

An achievement gained even on the day after the closing date for applications cannot be counted.

The only exception is publications which have been completely accepted and are 'in press'.

However, whilst you cannot select a point-scoring option on the basis of incomplete achievements, you are welcome to mention it in the text box for that section. You will not however gain any additional points.

Multiple achievements in a single domain

If you have more than one achievement in an area which only allows you to choose an option for one, for example, qualifications or achievements, you should select the option corresponding to your highest scoring achievement. You can then use the space below to mention your other achievements in the area, however you will not be rewarded any further points.

Achievements in multiple domains

If you have an achievement which could potentially fit under more than one domain, for example winning a prize for a poster or doing a presentation based on a publication, it is acceptable to claim under both options.

The only exception is that under no circumstances can you claim in the presentation section for a presentation on a quality improvement project as this forms part of the scoring for the quality improvement section.

Time limit

There is no set number of years within which you need to have completed the achievements listed. Achievements claimed must have been gained after commencing your medical (or first undergraduate) degree, so achievements from school or before university cannot be claimed.

Word limitations

There will be a text box for each domain where you will be required to add text to demonstrate why you chose that option. Each section will have a maximum word count, detailed in the table below, however, we advise that you keep your explanations as short as possible to justify the selection.

The Panel will have limited time to check application forms and the more succinct you can be about your achievement, the more straightforward it will be for them to review your folder.

Maximum word count by domain
Scoring domain Word count
Scoring domain MRCP(UK)/Alternative Word count 100
Scoring domain Postgraduate qualifications Word count 100
Scoring domain Additional achievements - prizes/awards Word count 100
Scoring domain Presentations/posters Word count 350
Scoring domain Publications Word count 300
Scoring domain Teaching experience Word count 250
Scoring domain Training in teaching Word count 100
Scoring domain Quality improvement  Word count 250
Scoring domain Leadership and management Word count 250

The Self-Assessment Domains

Please find below further explanation for the domains in your self-assessment.

MRCP(Member of the Royal College of Physicians(UK))/Alternative
Non-UK alternative training If you are applying without the MRCP(UK), on the basis of having completed Irish Basic Specialty Training (BST) and the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI), or you are eligible for the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register in General Internal Medicine, you should select the top option if you have fully completed this at time of application. If you cannot demonstrate the full criterion at time of application, you cannot gain any points in this domain and must select the bottom option; this includes completion of the MRCPI without full sign off from Irish BST.
Option I have passed both MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written and Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) or an acceptable alternative.
Score 8
Option I have passed MRCP(UK) PACES but not Part 2 Written.
Score 6
Option I have passed MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written but not PACES.
Score 2
Option I have not passed MRCP(UK) Part 2 Written or PACES.
Score 0
Postgraduate degrees and qualifications
Option PhD or DPhil Doctor of Philosophy (can include non-medical related qualifications)
Score 6
Notes You undertook full-time research involving original work, usually of at least 3 years' duration, and ideally resulting in one or more peer-reviewed publication.
Option MD Doctor of Medicine - two-year original research-based or MPhil Master of Philosophy (can include non-medical related qualifications)
Score 5
Notes The MD Doctor of Medicine means that you undertook full-time research involving original work, usually of at least two years' duration, and ideally resulting in one or more peer-reviewed publication.
Option Single-year (or equivalent) postgraduate course, for example, MSc, MA, MRes (can include non-medical related qualifications)
Score 3
Notes This must be a specific course that usually lasts for three university terms and is eight months' or more duration; it must not be claimed for upgrading a bachelor’s degree without further study as is offered in some universities.

Explain in your Oriel application form, the duration of the course and the whole time equivalent and the content of the course.

If a dissertation was part of the course, what percentage of the overall mark did it contribute.
Option MD Doctor of Medicine – dissertation only
Score 2
Notes You undertook a dissertation (for example, writing about a subject not using your own original research) with a relatively small amount of research content, and usually of one year or less in duration.
Option Other relevant postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate typically lasting between one and ten months (whole-time equivalent).

You cannot claim for the MRCP(UK), or parts thereof, in this section or non-medical related qualifications.
Score 1
Notes This option is for relevant postgraduate courses/modules – for example, diploma of tropical medicine and hygiene. It is not permissible to claim points for partially completed qualifications – for example, 1 year of a 3-year degree.

Whilst you cannot claim for the MRCP(UK) here, if you have completed another specialty membership examination (for example, MRCGP) or a similar qualification from another specialty from outside the UK, it is permissible to select this option.
Option None
Score 0
Prizes and awards
Note Distinctions or Honours in examinations are not considered under this section.
Option Awarded any first prize/award in a competitive process related to oncology.
Score 6
Notes Oncology related work would include, for example, related to outcomes or complications of radiotherapy or systemic anticancer therapy or DNACPR.
Option Awarded any postgraduate first prize/award in a competitive process related to medicine.
Score 5
Notes This means that the prize is open to medical postgraduates in a region, locality or organisation (for example, NHS trust, hospital, primary care network).
Option Awarded any undergraduate first prize/award in a competitive process related to medicine.
Score 4
Notes This means that the prize is open to medical undergraduates in a region, locality or organisation (for example, NHS trust, hospital, primary care network).
Option Scholarship/bursary/equivalent awarded related to medicine.
Score 3
Option Awarded any second or third prize/award in a national or international competitive process related to medicine.
Score 3
Notes This means that the prize is open to medical undergraduates or postgraduates in a nation or a group of nations.
Option None
Score 0
Presentations/posters
What is a presentation? These can be of anything related to medicine, typically a case or case series, research or other topic. It would normally be expected to include a question and answer session.
Posters The options also allow for posters, if a poster is shown without an accompanying oral presentation you can still claim points in line with the relevant statement below.

'Shown' should be considered to mean a significant role in the production and content of the poster and attendance at any question and answer poster session during the conference/meeting at which it is displayed.
What if I did not personally present or show a poster? If you were a significant contributor to a presentation but did not personally present it, you can only claim points if this was in a national or international medical meeting choosing the relevant option below. In the case of a poster, if you did not 'show' the poster but played a significant role in the production and content, as with presentations, you can only claim points where this was for a national or international medical meeting.
What is a medical meeting? Typically this will be an audience of doctors and/or other healthcare professionals attending away from their normal place of work for which attendees will be undertaking continuing professional development.

The exception to this is the option for a local meeting where the audience is predominantly internal to that workplace.
Option I have given an oncology related oral presentation or shown an oncology related poster at a national or international medical meeting.
Score 10
Notes National means that participation is routinely extended to, and accepted by, anyone in the country; as implied, international means participation extends beyond this.

Oncology related would include, for example, related to outcomes or complications of radiotherapy or systemic anticancer therapy or do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR).
Option I have given an oral presentation at a national or international medical meeting.
Score 9
Notes National means that participation is routinely extended to, and accepted by, anyone in the country; as implied, international means participation extends beyond this.
Option I have shown more than one poster at national or international medical meetings.
Score 8
Notes National means that participation is routinely extended to, and accepted by, anyone in the country; as implied, international means participation extends beyond this.
Option I have given an oncology related oral presentation or shown an oncology related poster at a regional medical meeting.
Score 7
Notes Regional means that participation is confined to, for example, a county, medical training region, health authority, or a recognised cluster of hospitals, extending beyond a city.
Option I have shown one poster at a national or international medical meeting.
Score 6
Notes National means that participation is routinely extended to, and accepted by, anyone in the country; as implied, international means participation extends beyond this.
Option I have given an oral presentation at a regional medical meeting.
Score 6
Notes Regional means that participation is confined to, for example, a county, medical training region, health authority, or a recognised cluster of hospitals, extending beyond a city.
Option I have shown one or more posters at a regional medical meeting(s).
Score 5
Notes Regional means that participation is confined to, for example, a county, medical training region, health authority, or a recognised cluster of hospitals, extending beyond a city.
Option I have contributed to a poster presented nationally or internationally, but was not the first author.
Score 5
Notes National means that participation is routinely extended to, and accepted by, anyone in the country; as implied, international means participation extends beyond this.
Option I have given an oral presentation, or shown one or more posters at a local medical meeting(s)
Score 4
Notes Local usually means participation is confined to a local hospital or university setting.
Option I was a significant contributor to an oral presentation or poster at a national or international medical meeting, which I did not personally present or show.
Score 4
Notes Regional and local meetings do not qualify here.
Option I have contributed to a poster presented regionally but was not the first author.
Score 4
Notes Regional means that participation is confined to, for example, a county, medical training region, health authority, or a recognised cluster of hospitals, extending beyond a city.
Option None
Score 0
Publications
Glossary of publications section terms In press - this means that your piece has been fully accepted for publication; no further alterations are required; and it is just waiting to be published.

PubMed - virtually all published articles relevant to medicine will have a unique PubMed ID number (PMID) assigned to it. If a published article does not have a PMID, it is unlikely to be relevant here.

Peer-reviewed - this means that your piece has been sent to one or more independent reviewers prior to acceptance for publication.

Submitted article - this cannot gain any marks at the short-listing stage, because it is not known if it will be published. However, you may wish to mention it to support your application.

First author - this means first on the list of authors.

Joint-first author - this is a specific definition and will be specified in the publication.

Co-author - this means that you are on the list of authors, but are not first or joint-first author.

'Other' publication - anything that is not an original research article (or book/chapter) - eg editorials, reviews, abstracts, case reports, letters, etc. On-line discussion forums or posted articles do not count.

Original research - this covers basic scientific research as well as systematic reviews/meta-analyses.
Option I am first author, or joint-first author, of one or more PubMed-cited original research publications (or in press) related to oncology.
Score 10
Notes Oncology related would include, for example, related to outcomes or complications of radiotherapy or systemic anticancer therapy or DNACPR.
Option I am first author, or joint-first author, of two or more PubMed-cited original research publications (or in press).
Score 9
Notes For this option, you need to be first or joint-first author in all of the publications to which you refer.
Option I am first author, or joint-first author, of one PubMed-cited original research publication (or in press).
Score 8
Option I am co-author of 2 or more PubMed-cited original research publications (or in press).
Score 7
Notes This option can be interpreted as 'I am at least co-author in more than one...'
Option I am co-author of at least one PubMed-cited original research publication (or in press) related to oncology.
Score 7
Notes Oncology related would include, for example, related to outcomes or complications of radiotherapy or systemic anticancer therapy or DNACPR.
Option I am co-author of one PubMed-cited original research publication (or in press).
Score 6
Option I am first author, joint-first author, or co-author of more than one PubMed-cited other publication (or in press) such as editorials, reviews, case reports, letters.
Score 5
Option I am first author, joint-first author, or co-author of one PubMed-cited other publication (or in press) such as an editorial, review, case report, letter.
Score 4
Option I have written a chapter of a book related to medicine in its broadest sense (does not include self-published books).
Score 4
Notes This refers to medicine in its broadest sense and not just hospital medicine. Books must be published by an independent publishing house and not self-published.
Option I have published one or more abstracts, non peer-reviewed articles or published articles that are not PubMed-cited.
Score 3
Notes This article does not need to be medically focused but you should add comments below to justify its relevance to your application for the purposes of verification.
Option None
Score 0Teaching experience/training in teaching
Teaching experience/training in teaching
Timescale of programmes It is difficult to be prescriptive about timescales as it will depend on the regularity and length of sessions. What is important is that a lasting commitment to a meaningful teaching programme can be demonstrated. Therefore, you will need to use your professional judgement if your programme was less than three months on whether you can reasonably select this option and provide evidence accordingly.
Glossary of teaching section terms Local - this means the programme is confined to a local hospital, trust or university setting.

Designing and organising - this means you have identified a gap in the teaching provided and have worked with local tutors to design and organise a teaching programme, arrange teachers and contributed regularly to the teaching for the defined period.

Substantial training in teaching - this means you have undergone formal training, lasting more than 2 days (whole time equivalent). Substantial training is defined here as more than the usual short (one or two day) course which is mandatory for most trainee doctors, and more than the usual online modules completed in a few hours. This does not necessarily need to be a single course but where multiple courses have been attended, these must be complementary and not covering similar topics.

Evidence of attendance and reflection on learning should be available.

Feedback - this means you have either evidence of senior observation and feedback (for example, Developing the Clinical Teacher form) or that there has been collection and analysis of participants' feedback forms with independent verification. Independent feedback should ideally be supported by a letter or certificate from a course organiser/deputy, local tutors or a report detailing the analysis. It is also important that you have reflected upon feedback received and can comment on this on your application form and at interview if questioned.
Teaching experience - option I have worked with local tutors to design and organise a teaching programme (a series of sessions) to enhance locally organised teaching for healthcare professionals or medical students. I have contributed regularly to teaching over a period of approximately three months or longer.
Score 7
Notes You have identified a gap in teaching provided and have worked with local tutors to design and organise a teaching program, and arrange teachers. You have a certificate or letter of recognition of your contribution. You have evidence of this, which could include formal feedback, the programme outline or reflection logs.
Teaching experience - option I have organised a local teaching programme for healthcare professionals or medical students consisting of more than one session and contributed regularly to teaching over a period of approximately 3 months or longer.
Score 6
Notes You have worked with local tutors to organise an existing programme and arrange teachers. You have a certificate or letter of recognition of your contribution. You have evidence of this, which could include formal feedback, the programme outline or reflection logs.
Teaching experience - option I have provided regular teaching for healthcare professionals or medical students over a period of approximately3 three months or longer.
Score 4
Notes For example, regular bedside or classroom teaching, acting as a mentor to a student or acting as a tutor in a virtual learning environment. You have a certificate or letter of recognition of your contribution. You have evidence of this, which could include formal feedback, the programme outline or reflection logs.
Teaching experience - option I have taught medical students or other healthcare professionals occasionally.
Score 2
Notes You have provided teaching on an ad hoc basis. You have evidence of this, which could include formal feedback, the programme outline or reflection logs.
Teaching experience - option None
Score 0
Training in teaching - option I have been awarded a 3 year masters level teaching qualification.
Score 6
Notes This could be full time or part-time over multiple years.
Training in teaching - option I have a higher qualification in teaching, for example, PG Cert or PG Diploma.
Score 5
Training in teaching - option I have had substantial training in teaching methods lasting more than 2 days.
Score 2
Notes This should be additional to any training received as part of your primary medical qualification.
Training in teaching - option I have had brief training in teaching methods lasting no more than 2 days.
Score 1
Notes This should be additional to any training received as part of your primary medical qualification.
Training in teaching - option None
Score 0
Quality improvement (QI)
QI project (QIP) The QI project (QIP) may be a new project or might involve the further development and sustainability of an existing change project. Clinical audits can be a type of QI project, if they use QI methodology. Your project must demonstrate use of recognised QI methodology, for example, Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycles or equivalent.

Please note:

If you have been involved in a long-running multi-cycle project, you can only claim points based on the cycles in which you were directly involved.

If your project has not yet completed a single cycle, you can only select the 'none/other' option.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – it is recognised that some quality improvement projects may have been disrupted due to the coronavirus outbreak. Any project which had been fully designed and data collection commenced but could not be completed due to the coronavirus outbreak, may claim the option as if that cycle of the planned project had been delivered. You must provide correspondence from your supervisor/or other appropriate consultant to confirm the situation and you must also have evidence of your work up to the point of cancellation; for example, project outline, data capture.

Examples of evidence - The preference is a QIPAT form. If this is not available, a headed document from your supervisor/organisation confirming similar information, which must as a minimum cover:

QIP topic (The reason for the choice of QIP is clear, aims of the QIP are stated, SMART and trainee led)

QI measures identified (Process, outcome and balancing measures identified)

Demonstration of use of QIP methodology

Change implementation (Documentation of progress, problems and unexpected observations. Run chart of results)

Evaluation of change (Complete analysis of data. Data compared to predictions. Clear identification of what was learnt)

Future application of the QIP considered

A fully completed QIPAT form or equivalent document will mean no additional evidence is required. If you feel you need to attach additional information to demonstrate your project, this could include: project outline/plan, the project presentation/poster; all evidence should describe your direct involvement.
Option Involvement in all aspects of 2 cycles of an original QI project related to oncology where you can demonstrate a leadership capacity by supervising other members of the team.
Score 8
Notes In addition to the requirements for score option 4 (Involvement in all aspects of 2 cycles of a QI project), you should be able to demonstrate that you undertook a significant leadership role within the project. This should include designing the project, playing a leading role in the project delivery and supervision of other members of the team.
Option Involvement in all aspects of 2 cycles of an original QI project where you can demonstrate a leadership capacity by supervising other members of the team.
Score 6
Notes In addition to the requirements for score option 4 (Involvement in all aspects of 2 cycles of a QI project), you should be able to demonstrate that you undertook a significant leadership role within the project. This should include designing the project, playing a leading role in the project delivery and supervision of other members of the team.
Option Involvement in all aspects of 2 cycles of an oncology related QI project.
Score 5
Notes For example, you participated in all stages of a PDSA cycle (or similar), i.e. or were involved in planning, data collection, data analysis, and change, as well as a further cycle. Presentation of a project is not essential as not all QI work requires presentation. It is likely that this involved working as part of a team but you must evidence your own role within the QI activity for all stages.
Option Involvement in all aspects of 2 cycles of a QI project.
Score 4
Notes For example, you participated in all stages of a PDSA cycle (or similar), or were involved in planning, data collection, data analysis, and change, as well as a further cycle. Presentation of a project is not essential as not all QI work requires presentation. It is likely that this involved working as part of a team but you must evidence your own role within the QI activity for all stages.
Option Participating in QI activity – this requires Involvement in 1 aspect of a completed, multicycle QI project or involvement in 2 or more aspects of a single cycle QI project.
Score 1
Notes For example, you were only involved in data collection in a multi-cycle project, or you were involved in data collection and analysis in a single cycle project. You cannot choose this option if you were only involved in a single aspect of a single cycle project; for example you only collected data in a single cycle of a project.
Option None/other
Score 0
Leadership
Option I hold/have held a national leadership or managerial role related to the provision of healthcare for 6 or more months and can demonstrate a positive impact.
Score 8
Notes Examples include: BMA national executive, postgraduate doctor representative of a specialist society or college or a nationally held leadership and management fellowship.
Option I hold/have held a national leadership or managerial role in a non-medical voluntary capacity for 6 or more months and can demonstrate a positive impact.
Score 8
Notes Examples include charity, scouting/guides, sports, creative arts at a national level.
Option I hold/have held a regional leadership or managerial role related to the provision of healthcare for 6 or more months and can demonstrate a positive impact.
Score 6
Notes Examples include a role covering more than one hospital or covering a postgraduate training region.
Option I hold/have held a local leadership or managerial role related to the provision of healthcare for 6 or more months and can demonstrate a positive impact.
Score 4
Notes Examples include a role within one hospital or medical school such as postgraduate doctors mess president or postgraduate doctor representative on a hospital committee.
Option I hold/have held a local/regional leadership or managerial role in a non-medical voluntary capacity for 6 or more months and can demonstrate a positive impact.
Score 4
Notes Examples include charity, scouting/guides, sports, creative arts at a local or regional level.
Option None
Score 0

Submitting evidence

After the application closing date, you will be required to load supporting evidence to justify the self-assessment achievements claimed on the application form. You should finalise and plan to have your documents ready to upload soon after application submission and will be written to soon after the application closing date to confirm the method and upload window for submission of evidence. However, it is advised to prepare documents in advance so this process can be completed quickly.

Interviewers will need to verify your evidence in a short time so please keep the below in mind when organising the evidence, you will upload, as poorly organised/presented documents may mean achievements cannot be verified.

  • Only evidence supporting each of the claimed achievements should be uploaded. There is no requirement to upload any additional documents or achievements if they are not directly related to the scoring domain where points are being claimed.
  • Only sufficient evidence should be provided to justify the scores awarded. Only include enough evidence to demonstrate achievements which justify your selection. For example:
    • If you have completed a national presentation, there is no requirement to include evidence for other presentations.
    • If you have written a book, you do not need to upload the whole book, just sufficient pages so interviewers can verify your achievement.
  • Evidence of training courses or areas noted in your commitment to specialty section should not be included unless they specifically relate to a scored option.
  • You must ensure patient-identifiable data is redacted as this may result in the employing trust being notified for failing to do this.
  • Any documentation not in English must be translated, otherwise credit may not be received for this.
  • File types and naming – there are steps that should be taken to make it as straightforward as possible for reviewers to check your evidence:
    • Clearly name files with the scoring domain name appearing first, followed by a description of the document; for example, Undergraduate – Degree classification evidence – certificate.
    • Aim to use standardised file types which can be opened by any user regardless of the software they have available. Whilst it is being confirmed which document types will be accepted, you should aim to convert all files to PDF, JPEG or PNG format.
    • Ensure each document is contained within a single file, for example, do not take a photo of each page of a publication and load them as separate files.

Please review the below for examples of supportive evidence that could be used to support your score in preparation for this.

Evidence should include your name, date, and other details as relevant such as name of qualification, name of awarding body, grade, title of presentation or paper, place where presented.

Category Evidence
Category MRCP(UK)/Alternative Evidence Certificate
Category Postgraduate Evidence Certificate
Category Prize Evidence

Certificate

Confirmation letter
Category Presentation Evidence

Programme - preferably

Abstract book

Reference (published abstract)

Copy of presentation giving place, and date
Category Publication Evidence

Paper

Pubmed citation link

PubMed IDentifier (PMID) number

Relevant book pages

Copy of written abstract with details of where published
Category Teaching Evidence

Copy of teaching programme

Copy of reflection

Examples of written feedback

 Workplace-based assessment (WpBA)

Supervisor’s letter confirming contribution
Category Training in teaching Evidence Certificate
Category Quality improvement Evidence

Programme where presented

Summary of results

Reflection

Feedback if available

WpBA

Certificate of course attended or qualification

Supervisor’s letter confirming contribution
Category Leadership Evidence

Membership certificate

Certificate of achievement

Proof of leadership role (for example, letter, email, prize, photograph)

Page last reviewed: 27 October 2023
Next review due: 27 October 2024