Events
Upcoming events
Medical cannabis is being increasingly used with growing interest and cautious optimism in oncology. In this evidence-informed webinar, Professor Deepak Ravindran will demystify the science, policy, and practical applications of medical cannabis in cancer care. From understanding the endocannabinoid system and the evolving UK legislation, to reviewing its role in managing cancer-related pain, nausea, appetite loss, and beyond, this talk will aim to provide clarity on both clinical potential and important caveats of this very important molecule.
Dr Deepak Ravindran was Clinical Lead in Pain Medicine at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, Berkshire from 2015-2023 and helped establish the award-winning community pain service in Berkshire (IPASS) in 2015 and the Berkshire Longcovid Integrated Service (BLIS) in 2020. He is one of the very few consultants in the UK who holds certification in musculoskeletal, pain medicine and board certified in lifestyle medicine. He lectures nationally and internationally on issues in Longcovid, Integrative Pain Medicine and Trauma informed practice and has regularly spoken to the media and television on these issues.
He is the author of the Amazon Best Seller “The Pain Free Mindset”. This book is aimed at patients suffering with pain but also immensely useful for all healthcare professionals in understanding all the recent advances around pain management in a trauma informed integrative manner. He brings that integrative holistic approach to the bedside in caring and providing a personalised plan for his patients.
BSIO Symposium @SIO Europe 2025
On 22nd June in Oxford, BSIO hosted a symposium Workshop ‘Overcoming Barriers to Integration in UK Integrative Oncology’.
This 2.5-hour 3-part interactive workshop, chaired by Professor Rob Thomas, with individual session chairs - Aga Kehinde, Dr Elizabeth Thompson and Dr Catherine Zollman, brought together a series of experts in integrative oncology to explore the challenges and opportunities for embedding integrative services within UK healthcare systems. The format included short presentations followed by structured group discussions focused on three core themes:
Funding and commissioning models for sustainable services:
This session focussed on a number of key questions to include why we need integration and why joint oncology/integrative posts are a good idea, what are the routes to arrange funding, are charitable models or commissioned services more effective, and is mainstream commissioning the only route to true integration?
The role of research and evidence in advancing uptake and credibility:
In this second session, each speaker shared unique insights: Eileen Hackman covered research at the Christie, including Havening work. Mandy Brass discussed her acupuncture service growth at Guys and St Thomas's, focusing on integration and data. Dr Beverley de Valois highlighted her legacy at Mount Vernon, emphasising guidelines and safety recommendations. Prof Rob Thomas presented nutrient rich food products designed for colleague integration. Finally, Dr Marie Polley discussed 'Making Integrative Oncology Business as Usual in the NHS,' addressing healthcare change themes.
Improving communication and collaboration across care pathways and professions:
In this third session, Kim Wilcox provided an example of collaboration/integration in dietetic and nutritional support for people with cancer in the Bristol area. John Bennett offered a patient perspective on what is working well and what could be working better regarding Integrative Oncology from a communication and navigation perspective. Prof Rob Thomas offered an oncologists' perspective; the challenges busy oncologists face when considering how IO approaches might fit alongside their treatment and potential solutions.
Previous BSIO webinars
BSIO members have access to regular webinars on key topics in integrative oncology.
See below for some of the topics already covered, and for access to both upcoming webinars and recordings of previous webinars, join via the link below.
BSIO Annual Conference 2023
We hosted our 2023 online Annual Conference 'Multidisciplinary perspectives and collaboration for better patient outcomes' on Saturday 11th March.
The event offered a unique opportunity to discuss diverse topics in integrative oncology practice and how they can contribute to better patient resilience and improved clinical outcomes. The day was a huge success, made possible due to our impressive panel of oncologists, integrative doctors and researchers, nurse specialists, nutrition and mind-body experts, chaired by the wonderful Sheila Dixon. All sessions were recorded and available for attendees to view on the Whova app for 3 months following the event.
IOUK22 is an online event designed for healthcare professionals looking to optimise and support patient care.
More information about the event can be found here: Home - Integrative Oncology UK
A recording of IOUK22 can be purchased at a discounted rate for BSIO members: Register - Integrative Oncology UK
