Practicing Oncology in the UK National Health Service Versus Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Hospitals: A Personal Reflection
Dr. Mymoona Alzouebi1,2*
1Head of Radiation Oncology King Fahad Hospital Hofuf- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
2Radiation Oncologist, Former Consultant Clinical Oncologist, NHS, UK.
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Mymoona Alzouebi, Head of Radiation Oncology King Fahad Hospital Hofuf- Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia and Radiation Oncologist, Former Consultant Clinical Oncologist, NHS, UK.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAMR.2025.03.023
Received: November 12, 2025
Published: December 03, 2025
Citation: Alzouebi M. Practicing Oncology in the UK National Health Service Versus Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Hospitals: A Personal Reflection. SVOA Medical Research 2025, 3:6, 192-196. doi: 10.58624/SVOAMR.2025.03.023
Abstract
While oncology is guided by universal scientific principles, its practice is profoundly shaped by healthcare systems, training structures and professional culture. Drawing from personal experience as a senior consultant clinical oncologist in both the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) government sector Ministry of Health (MOH), this article explores key contrasts in governance, communication, training, workload, and multidisciplinary practice. These observations illustrate that excellence in oncology depends as much on system design and culture as on medical knowledge.
Keywords: Oncology Practice, Healthcare Systems, Multidisciplinary Care, Clinical Governance, Practicing Oncology in the UK NHS Versus Saudi Government Hospitals