An Introduction to Integrative Oncology for Healthcare Professionals
Integrative Oncology, while well-established in the US and other countries, is relatively new to most healthcare professionals in the UK. The British Society for Integrative Oncology (bsio.org.uk) defines Integrative Oncology as a patient-centred, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilises nutritional, lifestyle and complementary interventions alongside conventional cancer treatments to support better quality of life, improve resilience, minimise the side effects of treatment and improve outcomes.
This is a rapidly evolving field of science with much to offer to patients before, during and following treatment, but its sheer breadth can be intimidating, leading to difficulty in knowing how to safely refer on to appropriate resources.
This introductory course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with an overview of Integrative Oncology, looking at all the resources available, the role they can play in cancer care, who
the providers are, and the evidence for efficacy and safety. Delegates will complete the 11-module Introduction with sufficient understanding of integrative modalities to confidently refer their
patients on at times and in situations where Integrative Medicine may be able to help.
You can find the full programme here
The full course equates to 11 hours of CPD
Course Presenters:
All the confirmed course presenters are listed below
Dr Penny Kechagioglou
MBBS (Honours), MRCP, FRCR, MPH, MBA Clinical Oncologist
Dr Penny Kechagioglou is a senior Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Director for Surgery and Emergency medicine in the NHS. Penny is passionate about quality in healthcare, integrative oncology and offering patient choice. Penny is Co-Chair of the British Society for Integrative Oncology.
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel
MA Hons (Cantab) MB BChir IFMCP DipIM PG Cert DipION RYT200
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is a GMC-registered Integrative Medicine doctor with degrees in Medicine and Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and multiple qualifications in nutrition, functional and integrative medicine, health coaching, herbal medicine, yoga and mindfulness. Nina is Co-Chair of the British Society for Integrative Oncology.
Kirsten Chick
DNN, mFNTP, mBSIO, mFHT
Kirsten combines clear understandings of biochemistry, food energetics and our complex relationship with food. She offers a warm and inspiring approach with practical ideas, encouraging people to take back control and responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
Aga Kehinde
Clinical Nurse Specialist & Performance Coach
Aga has a 20 years’ experience as a clinical nurse specialist in oncology and oncology research. She qualified with The Coaching Academy and holds a diploma in Personal Performance Coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming. She is a Mindset and behaviour coach, Cancer Educator, Divisional Health & Wellbeing Lead and chair for underrepresented staff network at the district NHS hospital. Aga helps individuals to get control so they can navigate life’s biggest challenges with confidence and clarity.
Mark Bennett
Nutritional Therapist & Functional Medicine Practitioner
Mark is a functionally trained and qualified Nutritional Therapist, having achieved a first class honours nutritional therapy science degree. He is a member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT), the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC), as well as being a registered Certified Gluten Practitioner and Nutrigenetic Counsellor..
Lizzy Davis
Cancer Exercise Specialist
Lizzy is a former Oncology Nurse who developed CanExercise in 2011. She focuses on raising awareness of the importance of physical activity for those going through cancer, prescribing effective exercise programmes to counteract side effects from treatment, and helping to maintain or improve mental and physical well-being.
Dr Sam Watts
MCMA, Dip.Ayu, MSc, BSc (Hons), PhD
Dr Sam Watts is the lead Ayurvedic consultant at the thriving Ayurvedic practice in West Sussex. This was a natural progression for him after working in cancer research at the Department of Primary Care at the University of Southampton, where he completed his PhD. Sam specialises in preventative medicine and the holistic management of chronic health conditions that conventional medicine alone is often ineffective at managing.
Dr Caroline Hoffman
Clinical and Research Director, Breast Cancer Haven
Caroline has specialised in integrative healthcare for over 25 years both in the NHS and voluntary sector. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contribution to breast cancer support services in 2014. Her last NHS role was as the first Nurse Consultant in Cancer Rehabilitation at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Georgina Giebner
Advanced Specialist Oncology Dietitian
MSc in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition. PGDip in Nutrition and Dietetics with masters level training in the late GI and nutritional effects of cancer treatment (The Royal Marsden). BSc (Hons) in Physiological Sciences. Level 3 personal trainer. Gina has over 20 years of NHS experience working at all points in the cancer pathway, and is is currently freelance specialising in cancer prehabilitation, treatment support and nutritional rehabilitation following cancer treatment.
Dr Michael P. Castro
Neuro-oncologist and Medical Oncologist
Dr Castro is based in Los Angeles, specialising in molecular oncology, precision medicine, and immunotherapy. His key focus is to develop comprehensive molecular diagnosis to determine mechanism-based insights that lead to deactivating the malignant phenotype and overcoming treatment resistance. The goal is to develop an engineering level understanding of individual patients’ cancer pathogenesis to inform what pathways are operative and must be blocked to achieve treatment success.
Debbie Grayson
BSc Hons (Pharm), PG Cert Dip NT, mBANT, Pharmacist and Registered Nutritional Therapist
Debbie brings 26 years' experience as a pharmacist and 6 years as a nutritional therapist into her practice to create an integrative approach to health and wellbeing. Recognised as an expert inthe field of drug and nutrieint interactions, she brings an evidence-based approach to supporting people to safely use nutritional supplements alongside prescribed medication, and focuses on supporting medical and nutrition practitioners in how to incorporate this approach in their practice.
Course Presenters:
The Course Presenters are highly qualified professionals, many of them recognised leaders in their respective disciplines. Each Module has been specifically designed by its presenter for the target audience of healthcare professionals looking to gain a robust understanding of the potential of Integrative Medicine to support and extend the care they offer to those with cancer.
Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel has supported the development of the course and the selection of Course Presenters.
Programme and Fees:
The course consist of a short Introductory talk followed by 11 one hour modules. All Modules are pre-recorded and can be attended at a time to suit you.
You can find the full programme here
The cost of the 11 module course is £140, payable in full at booking.
Summary of Course Outcomes:
This course is designed for healthcare professionals working in oncology looking to broaden their
understanding of the potential of Integrative Medicine to help safely support their patients.
• Learn best practices from highly qualified and experienced experts
• Understand any risks and safety concerns and how to confidently refer your patients
• Gain confidence in the evidence base for IO and the risk/benefit profiles of IO methods
• Engage constructively with your patients’ concerns and interests regarding integration
You will be able to:
• Fit learning around your schedule with unlimited access
• Get evidence of learning outcomes and CPD hours
