How to become a Medical Oncologist / Surgical Oncologist

The study of cancer is termed oncology and oncologists are considered to be those specializing in this area. Oncologist meaning a physician who specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of can through chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. The main healthcare provider for anybody suffering from cancer is found in the oncology department with the exponential growth in cancer patients and fewer cancer specialists, a huge demand is observed in this specialized domain.

Oncologists are of different types. A medical oncologist meaning someone who uses chemotherapy or other drugs to treat cancer, such as radiation therapy or immunotherapy. On the other hand, a surgical oncologist removes the affected region by surgery, and a radiation oncologist treats with radiotherapy wherever necessary.

Job description, Profiles, Roles and Duties:

• Take medical history of the patients
• Update the patient information and charts to show current findings and treatments
• Drug prescription to suppress cancer cells
• Request assessments to carry out for nurses or other health care staff
• Review the results of the test to identify any abnormal results
• Recommend and draft a care plan
• Address apprehensions or respond to any queries that patients may have about their health and well-being
• Assist patients to take care of their health by talking to them about maintaining proper nutrition and hygiene
• Explaining the stage and the cancer diagnosis
• Discussing all treatment choices and his/ her preferred choice
• Providing quality and compassionate care
• Help a patient control the signs and side effects of cancer and its treatment
• Suggest medicines to block cancer cell growth and progression
• Block the effects of hormones that cancer cells use to expand and evolve
• Therapeutic administration of chemotherapy

Teamwork is very important, as most oncologists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of speciality nurses, radiographers, physicists, surgeons and other clinicians, all of whom need to integrate and communicate effectively. Good record keeping and other management skills in medical environments are important too.

As cancer is a life-threatening illness, those who wish to make a career as an oncologist ought to be sincerely involved with patients should have strong communication skills to address their issues and give them treatment, management of patients and work in teams.

Medical oncologists may work for long times with patients requiring special care. Extra patience may be essential for patients who are afraid of medical treatment. Medical oncologists must monitor and record various pieces of information about patient care accurately so that patients receive appropriate treatment and medication.

Oncologist meaning someone who needs to have the drive to create and introduce new therapies and treatments. Above all, a professional medical oncologist must have empathy and compassion for patients dealing with what may be a troubling and alarming diagnosis.