Connecting Trainees and Resident Doctors.
Supporting the Future of Paediatric Oncology.
The Paediatric Oncology Trainees Group (POTG) is a national network of resident doctors with an interest in paediatric oncology. The group is primarily made up of paediatric oncology subspecialty (GRID) trainees, trainees undertaking Special Interest (SPIN) training in paediatric oncology, and those considering applying for GRID or SPIN training. We also welcome any resident doctors or medical students interested in paediatric oncology, including those from related specialities such as general paediatrics, paediatric surgery, paediatric haematology and international medical graduates (IMG).
POTG aims to support education, collaboration and professional development within paediatric oncology training. One of the greatest strengths of POTG is the inclusive and supportive national community it provides. Through educational meetings, online teaching sessions and collaborative projects, members have the opportunity to develop professional relationships with colleagues across the UK, share experiences and build networks that often continue throughout their careers.
POTG circulates a monthly newsletter featuring educational opportunities, upcoming teaching sessions, research and audit projects, conferences, job vacancies and leadership opportunities, helping members stay informed and connected with the wider paediatric oncology community. We are happy to advertise relevant educational courses, conferences, research opportunities and job vacancies.
If you would like to include an opportunity in a future newsletter, please contact potg@cclg.org.uk.
Who we are
Whilst at its conception many decades ago the POTG was predominantly comprised of GRID/subspecialty trainees, the POTG membership is now much for diverse and continues to evolve.
POTG has more than 130 members, includes medical students, resident doctors, GRID and SPIN trainees, academic trainees and fellows.
Our membership includes approximately:
- 32% of members are GRID trainees
- 34% are planning to apply for GRID training
- 14% are SPIN trainees
- 23% are academics
- 29% are international medical graduates (IMGs)
- From over 30 different hospitals across the UK
Current Committee
Co-Chairs: Thomas Jackson & Amani Arthur
Communication Lead: Rhian Thomas
Education Co-Leads: Banuja Srikumar & Luke Smith
SPIN Lead: Rachael Poffley
Research and Audit Lead: Thomas Cherian
IMG Lead: Hama Baqaeen
Mentorship Lead: Alisha Burman
What We Do
Education & Training
POTG organises regular educational opportunities covering a broad range of paediatric haemato-oncology topics relevant to doctors at all stages of training, including:
- Monthly virtual Paediatric Oncology Education and Training (POET) sessions on a variety of clinical topics, audit updates, preparation for START assessment and dedicated sessions for SPIN trainees. These sessions typically last for an hour and run on a weekday from 8 to 9 pm
- Quarterly teaching sessions mapped to the paediatric oncology subspecialty curriculum. These sessions typically last two to three hours and run on a weekday afternoon from 2–5 pm and are available to watch back at a later date on CCLG Connect
- GRID interview preparation sessions, including Q&A sessions and mock interviews, which typically run in January and February in the lead-up to the GRID interviews
- The annual POTG Weekend Educational Meeting
POTG Weekend Educational Meeting
POTG organises an annual weekend meeting hosted by a different UK principal treatment centre each year. These meetings bring resident doctors together from across the country and serve several important purposes:
- To provide education and training in paediatric oncology through guest lectures and teaching sessions led by experts within the host institution
- To provide a forum for discussion of training issues and updates from the trainee representative on the RCPCH Oncology College Specialist Advisory Committee (CSAC)
- To create opportunities for attendees from across the UK to meet in a supportive and social setting
Research & Collaboration
POTG actively encourages collaboration through POTG-led projects, working with consultant supervisors and national resident doctor leads to develop projects and recruit local centre leads. This approach enables resident doctors across the UK to contribute to national initiatives, collaborate between centres, and develop research and leadership skills within paediatric oncology.
Since 2019, POTG members have led more than 14 national audit and service evaluation projects across a wide range of topics. To date these projects have resulted in:
- 10 national presentations
- 6 international presentations
- 2 peer-reviewed publications
Regular opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects are advertised through the monthly POTG newsletter. We work closely with other CCLG Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to deliver national projects and welcome opportunities to develop new collaborations with SIGs or individuals. If you are interested in discussing a potential collaboration, please get in touch with us at potg@cclg.org.uk.
Representation & Support
POTG works closely with the trainee representative on the RCPCH Oncology CSAC to ensure trainee perspectives are represented in discussions on training and workforce development. In addition, our POTG dedicated SPIN representative helps to advocate for SPIN trainees.
POTG additionally runs a mentoring scheme designed to support aspiring paediatric oncologists. Mentoring and peer support can be valuable for both mentees and mentors throughout clinical and academic training. As mentees come from a wide range of training stages, resident doctors and consultants are encouraged to volunteer as mentors. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, we would be delighted to hear from you, please contact us on potg@cclg.org.uk.
As a subspecialty, paediatric oncology benefits from a diverse workforce, including many international medical graduates (IMGs) doctors working across UK centres. Our mentorship scheme can support IMG doctors by matching them with senior trainees, fellows and consultants who have shared similar training journeys. We also have a dedicated IMG doctor representative on the committee to advocate for IMG doctors and help signpost those seeking advice or support.
Get Involved
POTG membership is open to any resident doctor with an interest in paediatric oncology.
We encourage all members to participate in meetings, educational sessions, mentoring opportunities and collaborative projects throughout the year, which are advertised in monthly newsletters.
To join POTG:
- Become a CCLG member (discounted rates for the 1st year).
- Request to join POTG through the groups page on the CCLG website
For further information, any questions or difficulties joining, please contact:
potg@cclg.org.uk.