Representing medical oncology are Dr Samantha Hopkins, Dr Lesley Dawson and Dr Ashley Pheely.
Dr Samantha Hopkins
I’m Dr Sam Hopkins, originally from Canada. I started my medical training in 2008 at the University of St Andrews for my pre-clinical years (BSc Hons) and then transferred to the University of Edinburgh for my clinical years (Mb ChB). I graduated in 2014 and did my Foundation and Core Medical Training in Bristol.
I started medical oncology specialty training in London in 2018. After 1 year, I transferred my training to Edinburgh to be with her fiancée (now husband). On top of my training, I am completing a part time Masters in Oncology at the University of Newcastle, training to be an EC4H Communications tutor, working on translation research and involved in management/patient experience projects.
I love medical oncology as it allows me to have a continuous relationship with a patient and help them during an important time in their life, the field is constantly changing and interesting due to advancements in research, and the great work-life balance allows me to have a social and fulfilling life outside of work.
Dr Lesley Dawson
I’m Dr Lesley Dawson, a consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer in medical oncology since 2003, with most recently a specialist interest in colorectal cancers.
I developed an interest in the management of cancer at medical school in Edinburgh. Having worked at the Beatson in Glasgow (which converted her from palliative care to medical oncology) and the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, I came back to Edinburgh for my registrar training.
Alongside my clinical work, I have a longstanding interest in medical education and have been module lead for HOPB as well as supporting the University of Edinburgh Oncology Society, Atrium and RMS Conferences. I am now the NHS UG lead and Associate Director for Medical Education at the Western General Hospital.
It has been amazing to see how the altruism of patients in taking part in clinical trials has made a huge difference to cancer treatment over the last 25 years but there is still much to do and learn. What never changes is the need to communicate clearly with patients and their families so that they can make the right decisions for them. It is a huge privilege to spend time with patients and families at challenging times in their lives, get to know what really matters to them and share the highs and lows of their treatment and care as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Dr Ashley Pheely
I’m Dr Ashley Pheely. My medical career started in a less than traditional way, in that it didn’t begin in medicine at all. With a degree in microbiology from the University of Edinburgh, and a love of science, I worked as a research assistant for the University of Aberdeen. Solitary working in a lab solidified one key aspect that has shaped the rest of my career – my passion and desire to work with people and not petri dishes!
My medical career then took a more traditional path, graduating from the University of Dundee in 2013. After five years in general medicine working in Dundee and Glasgow, I realised my love of people and science could be combined specifically in one specialty and so began my training as a medical oncology registrar in Edinburgh in 2018.
As my career has developed, I have become more curious about the “wider picture” with regards to how the living body of the NHS actually works. Most recently, I was the chief registrar in Lothian, acting as an advocate for doctors in training. Currently I have taken a year out of clinical training to pursue a leadership fellowship. Working to develop my leadership skills, experience and knowledge and add my frontline clinical experience within the GMC.
