Senior House Officer

Senior House Officer – Pediatric Hematology & Oncology

Department

Pediatric Hematology & Oncology

Reports To

Consultant Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist

Job Summary

The Senior House Officer provides comprehensive medical care to children with hematological disorders and malignancies. The role involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment, emergency management, and coordination of multidisciplinary care while participating in teaching, research, and quality improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose, and manage pediatric patients with hematological and oncological disorders.
• Conduct daily ward rounds and document clinical findings and management plans.
• Evaluate and stabilize acutely ill patients, including oncologic emergencies (e.g., febrile neutropenia, tumor lysis syndrome, spinal cord compression).
• Perform admission assessments, discharge planning, and follow-up care.
• Prescribe medications, chemotherapy (as per institutional protocols and under supervision), blood products, and supportive therapies.
• Monitor patients receiving chemotherapy and manage treatment-related complications.
• Perform procedures appropriate to level of competency, such as:
  • Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy (where credentialed)
  • Lumbar puncture (including intrathecal chemotherapy if trained and authorized)
  • Venous access procedures
• Participate in outpatient clinics and day-care chemotherapy services.
• Coordinate care with nursing staff, pharmacists, dietitians, laboratory services, and other specialties.
• Counsel patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, potential side effects, and follow-up.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical documentation in accordance with hospital policies.
• Participate in the on-call rota and respond to pediatric hematology-oncology emergencies.
• Attend departmental meetings, tumor boards, morbidity and mortality meetings, and educational sessions.
• Participate in clinical audits, research, and quality improvement projects.
• Supervise and teach junior doctors, interns, and medical students as appropriate.