Women's Oncology
Saint Mary's Hospital
Women's Oncology at Saint Mary's Hospital
Women's Oncology at Saint Mary's Hospital provides specialist gynaecological oncology care for cancers and pre-cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix and vulva. The service includes gynaecological oncology clinics, cancer exclusion clinics, laparoscopic surgery, fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer, vulval clinics, colposcopy and risk-reducing surgery for women at high risk of endometrial or ovarian cancer.
Observers and fellows will experience how women with suspected or confirmed gynaecological cancer are assessed, investigated and managed through specialist clinics, multidisciplinary team review, surgical pathways and links with oncology services at The Christie Hospital for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The programme provides insight into patient-centred cancer care, including diagnostic decision-making, treatment planning, surgical management, risk-reducing surgery, Macmillan Gynaecology Nurse Specialist support, palliative care links and communication across the cancer pathway.
Saint Mary's Hospital is a regional referral centre for gynaecological oncology. The wider service works with The Christie as part of the Greater Manchester Gynaecological Cancer Surgical Service, supporting access to a broad range of surgical treatments, robotic surgery, clinical trials and research opportunities where appropriate.
The department is an active academic unit with clinical and laboratory research programmes and strong links with The Christie Hospital, including studies in ovarian cancer, vulval cancer and ovarian cancer screening.
Fellowships and observerships at Manchester Specialist Health Academy provide international clinicians with structured opportunities to experience high quality healthcare training within a leading NHS environment. Both pathways offer consultant oversight, a clear induction, and access to modern clinical settings that support a strong understanding of advanced patient care. Participants are welcomed into a professional community that encourages learning, collaboration, and engagement with the culture of Manchester.
While fellows take part in more in depth clinical development, gaining exposure to subspecialties, procedures and research, observers focus on shadowing and understanding multidisciplinary practice within NHS services. Both groups benefit from involvement in clinics, team discussions, and wider learning activities such as simulation sessions, CPD opportunities, and quality improvement insight.
Academic contributions and awards
The service has strong academic links with the University of Manchester, The Christie Hospital, Manchester Cancer Research Centre and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.
Professor Emma Crosbie, Honorary Consultant in Gynaecological Oncology at MFT and Professor in Gynaecological Oncology at The University of Manchester, was awarded an NIHR Research Professorship for work on early detection of endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding.
Publications include: Crosbie EJ, Kitson SJ, McAlpine JN, Mukhopadhyay A, Powell ME, Singh N. Endometrial cancer. The Lancet. 2022; and Dore M, Cao J, Baker-Rand H, Choudhury A, Whetton AD, Unwin RD, Davidson EJ, Njoku K. Advances in urinary biomarkers for endometrial cancer detection. British Journal of Cancer. 2026.
Rare and complex cases
Observers and fellows may observer suspected or confirmed cancers and pre-cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix and vulva, including complex diagnostic, surgical and multidisciplinary management pathways.
Learning themes include cancer exclusion pathways, colposcopy, vulval disease, laparoscopic surgery, fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer, prophylactic surgery for endometrial or ovarian cancer risk, and referral pathways for women with strong family histories through Clinical Genetics.
Why Manchester?
Manchester is a city of innovation and progress, renowned as the world’s first industrial city and still leading in science, healthcare, and technology. With excellent transport links and a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, it offers an inclusive environment for learning and professional growth.
Beyond your placement, Manchester offers something for everyone - from watching the iconic Manchester derby to exploring world-class museums and galleries. With vibrant music, sport, and culture, the city truly has it all. Combining heritage and modernity, it creates a unique setting for personal enrichment and memorable experiences whilst you develop professionally.
Our signature programmes
Observership
Women's Oncology
Objectives
By the end of the placement, the visiting professional should be able to:
- Describe the structure of a regional gynaecological oncology service within a specialist women's hospital.
- Observe assessment and management pathways for suspected or confirmed gynaecological cancers and pre-cancers.
- Understand weekly MDT decision-making and the roles of surgery, radiology, pathology, medical oncology, clinical oncology and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
- Observe specialist clinic pathways including gynaecological oncology, cancer exclusion, vulval, colposcopy and risk-reducing surgery pathways.
- Recognise how patient-centred communication, Macmillan Gynaecology Nurse Specialist support and palliative care links support women and families throughout the cancer pathway.
- Understand how research, clinical trials, audit and service improvement contribute to gynaecological oncology care.
Eligibility
- The visiting professional must have sufficient English language skills to engage meaningfully in the observership.
Fellowship
Women's Oncology
Objectives
By the end of the placement, the visiting professional should be able to:
- Apply supervised clinical reasoning to gynaecological oncology presentations within outpatient, MDT and surgical pathway settings.
- Contribute to supervised assessment, investigation planning, treatment planning and pathway coordination for women with suspected or confirmed gynaecological cancer.
- Develop practical understanding of laparoscopic surgery, fertility-sparing surgery, risk-reducing surgery, vulval cancer pathways, colposcopy and post-treatment follow-up.
- Strengthen multidisciplinary communication with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, palliative care teams and research teams.
- Engage with clinical governance, research, audit, education or service improvement activity.
- Reflect on transferable approaches to women's cancer care, MDT working, surgical oncology pathways, research integration and future clinical leadership.
Eligibility
- Postgraduate Qualification: Applicants must hold an overseas-recognised postgraduate medical qualification (MD, MS, Masters) in ophthalmology or a relevant specialty.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ recent experience in ophthalmology or a related specialty within the last 5 years, including at least 12 months of continuous practice before applying.
- Training Level: Equivalent to ST5 or above, or post-CCT clinicians seeking subspecialty exposure.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic with 7.0 in each band and overall 7.5, or OET Medicine with Grade B in all domains, with certificate validity within 24 months.
- Registration: GMC registration is required for fellowship activity. Sponsorship support may be available through approved routes where appropriate.
- Applicants must not have failed PLAB exams previously.
- Visa sponsorship is only available through approved routes; self-funded visas outside agreed schemes are excluded.