Reflective practice is an important component of professional development and supports continual learning throughout the Fellowship in Supportive Oncology. Reflection provides an opportunity to explore clinical experiences, consider different perspectives, recognise personal strengths and identify areas for future development.
The aim of reflection is not simply to describe what happened, but to demonstrate how experiences have influenced your thinking, clinical practice and ongoing development as a clinician.
Fellows are encouraged to complete a minimum of two reflective pieces during the fellowship. The purpose of reflective practice is to demonstrate meaningful learning and professional development rather than simply fulfil a curriculum requirement. Fellows are encouraged to reflect whenever an experience provides an opportunity for insight, growth or improvement.
Reflection Template
Not every valuable reflection arises from a dramatic clinical encounter. Often, the greatest learning comes from everyday situations that challenge our thinking, influence our decision-making or alter our understanding of patient care.
Examples of experiences that may provide valuable opportunities for reflection include:
A patient consultation that changed your understanding of supportive oncology or challenged your assumptions.
A complex symptom management decision where there was uncertainty or several reasonable management options.
A conversation with a patient or family that influenced your communication skills or approach to shared decision-making.
An interaction with another member of the multidisciplinary team that broadened your perspective or changed your approach to patient care.
An experience involving treatment toxicity, survivorship, rehabilitation or supportive care that highlighted the complexity of cancer care.
A situation that demonstrated the importance of holistic care, considering psychological, social, spiritual or functional aspects alongside physical symptoms.
A clinical encounter that prompted you to review evidence, guidelines or current practice.
A case that reinforced the importance of recognising the limits of your own knowledge and seeking advice or collaboration.
An experience that highlighted the emotional impact of caring for people living with or affected by cancer.
Any encounter that you believe will influence your future clinical practice.
There is no single correct way to write a reflection. However, strong reflections often demonstrate:
Thoughtful consideration of the clinical situation and its wider context.
Insight into personal learning, including recognition of strengths and areas for development.
Consideration of different perspectives, including those of patients, carers and colleagues.
Reflection on uncertainty or complexity where appropriate.
Identification of how the experience may influence future clinical practice.
A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
The purpose of reflection is not to demonstrate perfection, but to demonstrate curiosity, insight and a willingness to continually learn from clinical practice.