ESMO promotes recognition of medical oncology as a professional qualification
ESMO promotes the international recognition and definition of medical oncologists as those who are trained in the management of cancer patients and deliver cancer therapies.
Medical oncologists work as part of the integrated, multidisciplinary team and play a pivotal role in collaborating with primary care, clinical oncologists, and other medical and surgical specialists in the cancer centre and unit.
On March 3, 2011 the European Commission announced that medical oncology had been included among the medical specialities covered by Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications. The decision was taken after several years of intense discussion between ESMO, key national societies and EU Member States.
ESMO worked very actively for the inclusion of medical oncology in the European Commission Directive:
- To assure all cancer patients have access to optimal treatment and care
- Because high-level qualification is a way to ensure high-quality treatment
- To assure the recognition of high professional qualification
- To help to spread and share knowledge, experience, and expertise
Key Documents
- 2011 Directive 2005/36/EC amending Annexes II and V to Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications
- 2009 ESMO submission to the consultation on the EU Green Paper on European Workforce for Health
- 2008 Green Paper on European Workforce for Health
- 2008 ESMO position paper: The role of medical oncologists in the fight against cancer in Europe
- 2007 Presentation by Dr Zakotnik about Medical Oncology
- 2006 List of Medical Oncology titles and training in EU Member States
- 2005 DIRECTIVE 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications