Consultant oncologist Dr Peter Gomes is celebrating quarter of a century of providing outstanding patient care to islanders with the Medical Specialist Group.
Dr Gomes joined the Group in 2000, becoming a partner one year later, and has been instrumental in the development of the cancer unit in Guernsey.
Dr Gomes said: “I came to Guernsey 25 years ago with my wife and our two children to join the Medical Specialist Group as a dual-accredited consultant physician and medical oncologist. The work initially was exceptionally busy as I was working as both a general physician and oncologist, while setting up a new service single-handed.
“After 10 years I was able to relinquish the general medicine work to fully focus on oncology. The oncology service has gone from strength to strength and in 2010 we moved into our purpose-designed new oncology department on the hospital site. We now have three medical oncology consultants, our PAs on site within the department and a great team of nursing staff. The unit is supported by our wonderful admin team.”
He continued: “Over the 25 years there have been quite incredible technological advances and improvements in outcomes for most cancers. The range of chemotherapy drugs continues to expand but we also have an impressive array of targeted drugs, antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy and much more. Many advanced cancers are becoming chronic diseases as survival is measured in years, sometimes more than 10 years. And many more patients are now cured with advances in adjuvant therapies, especially in the breast cancer field.
“What a journey it has been and continues to be. I’m not quite ready to retire just yet though, maybe a couple more years.”
Deputy chair Dr Michelle Le Cheminant said: “I want to thank Dr Gomes for his dedication – both to the MSG and to the provision of expert, holistic cancer care to our local community. During the last 25 years he has helped many patients through his expertise and compassion, and I have no doubt he will continue to help many more in the years to come. He is a well-respected colleague and has been a pleasure to work with.”
Pictured: Dr Peter Gomes with Deputy Chair Dr Michelle Le Cheminant
