Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Discipline of Oncology, Memorial University. I would like to take the opportunity outline the academic endeavors within our Discipline.

One in two Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime which has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of our province. The research and educational initiatives within our Discipline strive to improve the lives of patients and families living with this disease. Our mission is to integrate excellence and innovation in education, research and evidence informed care for our patients, learners and communities while promoting inclusion, equity, and Indigenous health.

Our membership consists of faculty specializing in Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Family Medicine (General Practitioners in Oncology). Our well-established researchers (which includes the GSK Research Chair in Oncology) produce pioneering research that is recognized internationally. Our Discipline members include staff who are dedicated to achieving our vision and the goals of our strategic plan. Most of our faculty are situated in St. John’s at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre and the location of the main campus of Memorial University. We have cross appointed faculty within other Disciplines and at distributed sites including New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. There is much excitement as the new cancer centre opens shortly in Corner Brook with the capacity for expansion of academic work on the west coast of our province.

Medical education is a key mandate of our Discipline. We are successfully training undergraduate and postgraduate learners to care for oncology patients. Many of our faculty are involved in progressing the field of medical education through scholarly activity and leadership roles. Teaching occurs daily within the walls of our cancer centres and distributed sites. Our faculty have diverse interests and expertise which allows innovative teaching and learning directed towards learners, faculty, staff, patients and of course, the community at large.

The Discipline has a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Medical Oncology Residency Program where postgraduate learners train to become future Medical Oncologists. Our program includes dedicated faculty with a passion for medical education that provide the highest standard of teaching to our trainees. We have a high faculty to resident ratio which allows significant focus on the residents and their learning environment. Our Medical Oncology trainees are provided with the unique opportunity to attend peripheral clinics within the province.

Research, particularly involving collaborative partnerships, is a strength of the Discipline. Our faculty are involved with research in a variety of areas including biomedical science, clinical trials, health services research, psychology, genetics, and social accountability. There is a drive for a patient centered approach to research and faculty partner with patients to answer research questions relevant to our communities.

The Discipline of Oncology aspires to create a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We learn, teach, work and study in an environment that promotes respect, compassion, and inclusivity. We continue to advocate for change in line with our vision to advance the health of the diverse communities we serve, including the Indigenous Peoples of the province. Our scope will adapt as new challenges arise, such as the evolving impact of climate change on the health of our population.

Our Discipline consists of many experienced faculty who hold significant leadership positions within the faculty, the health authority, and national organizations. These individuals inspire new ideas in the fields of clinical care, research, and medical education which in turn provide opportunities and inspiration for the future academics of our province.

Sincerest thanks for your interest in the Discipline of Oncology, Memorial University.

Please feel free to contact us at oncologyadmin@mun.ca.

Melanie Seal MD FRCPC
Interim Discipline Chair of Oncology