International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

ISSN 2167-0404

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 2 (8), pp. 158-164, August, 2012. © International Scholars Journals

Autobiographical Essay

Introduction of “Oncology” as a clinical discipline in the English-speaking world

 

Kamal Malaker

 

ICM Department, Ross university School of Medicine, Portsmouth, Dominica

 

*corresponding authors’ Email: [email protected]

Received 12 July, 2012; Accepted 30 August, 2012

 

Abstract

Cancer patients in the past had been treated by various clinical specialists, according to their training and knowledge. As it was realized that they are better treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, several prominent Cancer Surgeons in London UK, conceived of bringing management of cancer under one clinical discipline. The word “Oncology “was imported from Soviet Russia to Hammersmith Hospital in London. Cancer Surgeons in London quickly realized the potential of the word “Oncology. With their initiative “British Association of Surgical Oncology” was formed in 1973 in London. From there the concept of “Oncology” as a clinical discipline spread to the rest of the English speaking world and elsewhere.

Key words:  Introduction, oncology, clinical discipline, clinical practice, cancer, Cancer patients