Hamilton, Bermuda, September 1, 2020 –
Bermuda Hospitals Board consultant oncologist, and Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's Medical Director, Dr Chris Fosker, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians in Britain in recognition of his excellence and commitment in the field of oncology care.
The fellowship is awarded to the most exceptional and innovative physicians. It is a mark of their achievement and skill in their field and recognises their ongoing contribution to the profession, allowing the use of the designation FRCP.
"It's very humbling to be nominated for awards. Providing excellent care is a team effort, and these achievements allow you a moment to reflect on the positive impact we've been able to have for patients with cancer," says Dr Fosker.
Since arriving in Bermuda in 2015, Dr Fosker has progressed cancer care in Bermuda. He played an instrumental role in bringing radiation therapy to the Island. Hands-on from inception, contributing to design, and team recruitment at Bermuda's only radiation therapy unit. He has been treating patients at the radiation unit since it opened on May 23, 2017.
"Being able to provide radiation therapy on-Island has had a hugely positive effect for Bermuda residents," says Dr Fosker. "Radiation is recommended for around two-thirds of those going through cancer care. Providing this integral and effective treatment locally has a two-fold benefit: patients are able to have the support of their friends and family close at hand, and patients who may not be able to travel overseas, also have the opportunity for the treatment."
Next, Dr Fosker will engage key cancer stakeholders in the development of a national cancer control plan (NCCP) for Bermuda. The NCCP will help identify pathways that are required to reduce the cancer burden and improve services for cancer patients and their families by implementing systematic, equitable and evidence-based strategies for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliation.
Dr Fosker states "the challenge from cancer is ever involving. The development of Bermuda's first-ever NCCP will position us to have a clear strategy to demonstrate how we will maintain the highest level of care here in Bermuda".
Dr Fosker takes advantage of opportunities to highlight Bermuda's cancer profile to the world through articles in leading medical publications such as The Lancet and speaking opportunities like the Global Cancer Control Conference where, in 2018, he presented on the Challenges of Cancer Control in Small Island Nations. Dr Fosker has published research in a number of clinical areas, medical education, service development and health economics.
As a Clinical Oncologist, Dr Fosker is qualified to treat cancer patients with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, molecular therapy and immunotherapy. Dr Fosker is the medical director and radiation oncologist at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, an affiliate member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a consultant at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, as well as a consultant oncologist at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
Before moving to Bermuda, Dr Fosker worked as a specialist at St James's Institute of Oncology in Leeds. The Institute is Europe's largest purpose-built cancer centre.
Aside from his clinical work, he has held other positions of responsibility, including working for the Macmillan Cancer Charity as a policy adviser, and for NHS England as a clinical advisor. He is the recipient of a number of awards including the 'RS Bush Award' for academic excellence from Princess Margaret Hospital and the University of Toronto.
