Our consultants

I completed my undergraduate medical training at the University of Glasgow in 2007, followed by undertaking the Foundation Programme in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde from 2007-2009.  I then completed Core Medical Training in the South-East Deanery in 2012 and undertook Clinical Oncology training at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre from 2012-2019, completing the FRCR examination in 2018.

I was appointed as a Consultant Clinical Oncologist in November 2019, with main interests in Neuro-Oncology with SRS/SRT, Paediatric Radiotherapy and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer.  I was appointed as the Clinical Director for Oncology in April 2022 and I am also the Lead SACT Clinician for NHS Borders having been appointed in December 2023.  I have been a champion for Treatment Escalation Planning within oncology for many years and most recently involved in a project looking at improving communication for hospitals where there is no access to patients NHS Lothian oncology medical records.  I am a sub-investigator for a number of clinical trials and was the Principal Investigator for the BRITER (Brain Imaging to predict Toxicity in Elderly patients after Radiotherapy) Trial.

I am also involved with the Royal College of Radiologists as an examiner for the Final FRCR Part A and also sat on the Progression Review Committee for the University of Edinburgh Medical School before it was disbanded in June 2023.

Outside of work, I am heavily involved with the RAF Air Cadets, holding the rank of Wing Commander and the position of Officer Commanding, Central Scotland Wing.  I am also a keen long-distance runner, regularly taking part in races at 5K to marathon distance.  These are tremendously rewarding hobbies providing a good balance to the pressures of work in the NHS.

Bio To Follow

Dr Larry Hayward is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Centre.

Dr Martin Doak graduated in Medicine with Honours from the University of Edinburgh along with an immunology degree.  Completed postgraduate training in Edinburgh and undertook a 1 year Fellowship in Calgary Alberta in radiotherapy for Prostate and Lower GI cancers.

Appointed consultant in the Edinburgh Cancer Centre in 2019 specialising in the non-surgical management of prostate, bladder and colorectal cancer. These treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy as well as targeted therapy.

Currently appointed Deputy Clinical Director for the Oncology Service.

Dr Ding is a Medical Oncology Consultant specialising in the treatment of Breast and Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Malignancies. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh before undertaking her Medical Oncology specialty training within South East Scotland. She works at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre and also has weekly outpatient clinics at Borders General Hospital. Aside from her clinical work, she has a Diploma in Medical Education and interest in SACT training.

Dr Connolly graduated from the University of Edinburgh and, after a year in New Zealand, returned to Edinburgh to complete general medical and oncology postgraduate training. Her MD research thesis investigated early phase clinical trials and drug development. Following a fellowship year at The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney she returned to Scotland and was appointed as Consultant Medical Oncologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. In 2019 Dr Connolly returned to the Edinburgh Cancer Centre and now specialises in systemic therapy for ovarian cancer. She is actively involved in all phases of clinical trials and retains links with scientific researchers.

Dr Jennifer Allison is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Centre.

Dr Wall completed her medical training in Oxford and then in London.  She subsequently worked as a research fellow for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund where she did her thesis looking at hormonal pathways in ovarian cancer.  She completed her clinical oncology training in Edinburgh and has worked as a Consultant Medical Oncologist since 2002, covering upper GI cancers, GISTs and endocrine tumours.

Dr Christie graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2005, then trained in Aberdeen, New Zealand, Glasgow and Edinburgh, completing his medical oncology training in 2015. He was appointed as a consultant in the Edinburgh Cancer Centre in October 2015, specialising in the treatment of cancers of the pancreas, liver, bile ducts and upper GI tract. He is actively involved in running clinical trials for pancreatic, liver and biliary cancer, and is a clinical supervisor for specialty training doctors at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

Dr Angela Bentley trained in Clinical Oncology in Dundee and Edinburgh before completing specialty training in Palliative Medicine. She has been a Palliative Medicine Consultant since 2007 and joined the Palliative Care Team at the Western General Hospital in 2011, combining her passion for Oncology and hospital-based Palliative care.  She was previously Clinical Lead for Palliative Care and currently chairs the Oncology Ward Management group. Angela has a particular interest in medical training, is a clinical and educational supervisor, and the Southeast Scotland’s training lead for Palliative Medicine.

She is used to juggling her time – having 3 children under 2yrs whilst a trainee!

Dr Harrow specialises in cancers of the thorax and oligometastatic disease. He delivers both advanced technical radiotherapy and systemic anticancer therapy. He completed a PhD combining radiation and viro-therapy in high grade glioma prior to completing his specialist clinical oncology training. Dr Harrow then undertook a fellowship in Radiation Oncology with the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver. He took up a consultant post at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in 2009 before moving to the Edinburgh Cancer Centre to take up a consultant position in 2021. Dr Harrow currently holds a National Research Scotland Fellowship from the Chief Scientists Office which has allows him dedicated research time to develop clinical and laboratory research projects. He is a Principal Investigator and Chief Investigator on several clinical trials. Dr Harrow is an author on numerous practice changing publications and has been a guest speaker on research activity both within the UK, Europe and America. As the Lead Clinician for the Scottish Cancer Research Network and Health Innovation (Cancer) for the region he actively supports and engages with clinical trial activity.