The independent Department of Oncology, established on June 1, 2014, at Semmelweis University, created the framework for undergraduate oncology education. One of the most important achievements of the early period was the introduction of undergraduate education: in the 2015/2016 academic year, the subject Oncology was launched for 5th-year General Medicine students with a 20-hour curriculum (6 hours of classroom lectures + 14 hours of practical training), providing a comprehensive foundation in epidemiological, etiological, screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic topics.
Organizational Restructuring (2025)
From 2025, the former Department of Oncology separated into two independent units: the Department of Clinical Oncology and the Department of Radiotherapy. Prof. Dr. Magdolna Dank was appointed to lead the Department of Clinical Oncology. Our Department focuses on the theoretical and practical issues of modern, multidisciplinary, and personalized – primarily medical – oncological care for solid tumors, in close cooperation with the National Institute of Oncology and the university’s clinics.
OUR MISSION
Our goal is for students to acquire up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge regarding the detection and staging of neoplastic diseases, the indications and side-effect management of modern systemic therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy), the principles of precision medicine, and the operation of tumor boards. We pay special attention to a patient-centered approach, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
eDUCATION
The Department of Clinical Oncology educates fifth-year medical students in a two-week block format, comprising 14 classroom lectures and 42 hours of practical training. The curriculum includes:
- epidemiology and prevention of tumors, early detection, and screening;
- basics of diagnostics (pathology, imaging, molecular diagnostics);
- complex therapeutic strategies and guidelines;
- prevention and management of side effects, support in everyday clinical decision-making;
- tumor board roles, clinical communication, and case study-based thinking.
During practical sessions, we develop decision-making skills through real clinical situations, placing special emphasis on guideline-based care and patient safety. Read more →
Research and Collaborations
Our staff conducts clinical and translational research in numerous areas of oncology: prospective and retrospective studies, investigations of therapeutic outcomes and toxicity, biomarker research, precision oncology projects, as well as quality of life assessments. We are committed to domestic and international collaborations, as well as supporting resident and PhD training. Read more →
Commitment to Quality
The goal of our Department is to equip future physicians with modern knowledge and a perspective that is immediately applicable in patient care and establishes the foundation for further professional development – all within a high-quality educational environment, with a strong clinical background and an extensive professional network.
We welcome interested students and future partners at the Department of Clinical Oncology!
