NigCareers

Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an oncologist. Feel free to use our oncologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an oncologist.

 

Who is an Oncologist?

To begin, oncology is the science of cancer. Generally, it is the discipline of medicine that deals with tumors, including the study of their growth, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. An oncologist is, therefore, a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment and medical care for people who have been diagnosed with the disease. A cancer specialist is another term for an oncologist.

An oncologist is a physician who specializes in the discipline of oncology, which is a branch of medicine concerned with cancer. These doctors are well-trained and competent in diagnosing and treating cancer patients. If you have cancer, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan based on your pathology tests. An oncologist oversees a patient’s care throughout the course of their illness. This begins with diagnosis. The role of the oncologist includes explaining the cancer diagnosis and stage. The oncologist also talks about all treatment options and the ideal choice. An oncologist is required to deliver quality and compassionate care. The doctors help patients manage the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment. Most cancers are treated using a combination of therapies. A patient may see several different types of oncologists during the course of treatment. Furthermore, Oncologists are doctors who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. There are several different types of oncologists that people can see. The doctors usually work together to create the overall treatment plan of a patient. The different fields and areas of specialization of oncology.  However, four major treatment-based areas of oncology are medical oncology, radiation oncology, pediatric oncology, and surgical oncology.

Medical oncologists: Medical oncologists treat cancer using medication, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist is considered to be the primary cancer doctor. Medical oncologists help patients manage side effects and also monitor and maintain people’s well-being. Most times, patients follow up with them after treatment is complete.

Radiation oncologists: Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy, which is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. These doctors use high-energy photon beams not only to target but also to destroy cancer cells. A high percentage of all cancer patients have radiation treatments as part of their cancer care. Some cancers respond well to small seeds of irradiated material implanted in the affected areas. Others respond better to radiosurgery.

Surgical oncologists: Surgical oncologists treat cancer using surgery, including removing the tumor and nearby tissue during an operation. This type of surgeon can also perform certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer. A surgical oncologist may be one of the first doctors a person may see if the primary care physician suspects that the individual has cancer. They usually perform biopsies and remove a small tissue section so that it can be checked for any cancer cells. If cancer cells are present, the patient might have to see the doctor again. At this point, it might be necessary to have the tumor and the surrounding tissues removed. The surgeon will help the patient prepare for any surgical procedures that are recommended for cancer treatment. The doctor will also assist the patient in his or her recovery following surgery.

Pediatric oncologists: Pediatric oncologists specialize in the treatment of cancer in children and teenagers. Some cancers are more common in these younger age groups. Adult patients with certain types of cancer may choose to consult with a pediatric oncologist when they develop them. Pediatric oncologists specialize in the treatment of cancer-stricken children. Every year, some 175,000 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer around the world. In the United States, around 80% of children diagnosed with cancer and treated survive.

Other types of oncologists include;

Geriatric oncologists: Geriatric oncologists are those oncologists who work with cancer patients aged 65 and up.

Gynecologic Oncologists: Cancers of the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva are treated by gynecologic oncologists.

Hematologist-oncologists: Blood malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are treated by hematologist-oncologists.

Neuro-oncologists: Oncologists who specialize in cancers of the brain, spine, and nervous system are known as neuro-oncologists.

Thoracic oncologists: These are the Oncologists that specialize on tumors of the chest, such as those of the lungs and esophagus. Urologic oncologists treat cancers of the bladder, kidneys, penis, prostate gland, and testicles, among other places in the genitourinary system.

A person’s cancer diagnosis can be complicated at times. In this instance, the patient’s oncologist may request that the case be reviewed by a tumor board. A tumor board analyzes all cancer cases in several cancer institutions. A tumor board is a group of medical experts from all areas of cancer care who work together to decide the best treatment plan. The tumor board can include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists. Other specialists may be a part of the board as well. The members of the tumor board can provide diverse perspectives that can help you get the best care possible.

Many oncologists are board-certified to practice hematology as well. They treat patients with blood conditions such as;

Anemia: This is a condition that results from a shortage of red blood cells

Sickle cell disease: This is a hereditary blood condition that can wreak havoc on the circulatory system.

Thrombosis: When blood clots block blood vessels, it is known as thrombosis.

Oncologists usually specialize in their field, therefore they frequently expand a patient’s team to include the right experts for the treatment plan they’ve chosen.

 

Oncologist Job Description

Below are the oncologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an oncologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

Throughout the course of a patient’s illness, an oncologist is in charge of their care. The diagnosis is the first step. Their responsibilities include:

• Conduct tests to assess if a person has cancer is recommended.
• Prescribe the treatment of chemotherapy, medicines, and hormones.
• Explain a cancer diagnosis, including the cancer’s type and stage.
• Talk about all treatment options and your treatment choice.
• Deliver quality and compassionate care.
• Coordinate a course of treatment for cancer patients with the rest of their oncology team.
• Confirm a patient’s previous diagnosis.
• Explain cancer development stages to patients, discuss treatment options and assist in pain management.
• Keep records of patients’ test results and physical examinations.
• Write prescriptions, providing specific cancer information to patients.
• Help in improving patients’ quality of life.
• Provide all possible treatment plans and offer recommendations.
• Oversee the course of treatment.
• Care for patients throughout the entire course of cancer treatment, from diagnosis to recovery or death.
• Helping patients manage side effects of both the disease and the treatment plan.
• Help patients manage symptoms of cancer and its treatment.
• Work with patients to explain a diagnosis and stage of cancer, discuss treatment options.
• Assist in managing the side effects and symptoms of cancer and its treatment.
• Lead a cancer treatment team of various healthcare professionals.
• Organize treatment plans and prescribe various types of treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Treat patients with radiation therapy.
• Assist patients with pain management.
• Perform surgical operations to remove tumors and determine whether cancer has spread from the original starting point.
• Perform primary administrative and clerical duties, such as keeping records of test results.
• Monitor treatment plans.

 

Qualifications

• A medical degree in oncology and completion of an oncology residency and fellowship is required.
• To practice oncology, you’ll need a state license and certification.
• When it comes to working with patients, you should be sensitive and caring.
• Working knowledge of cancers and cancer treatment alternatives that is detailed and up-to-date.
• Technical abilities to operate cancer-related medical equipment and tools.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities.

 

Essential Skills

• Communication abilities: Oncologists must be skilled communicators. They must be able to communicate successfully with their patients and other members of the healthcare team.
• Compassion: Sick or injured patients may be in excruciating pain or distress. Oncologists must show compassion and sympathy to their patients and their families.
• Detail Oriented: Patients must receive appropriate treatment and drugs, which requires meticulous attention to detail. Oncologists must keep meticulous track of and record a variety of data relevant to patient care.
• Dexterity: Oncologists must be dexterous since they deal with precise and occasionally sharp tools, and mistakes can be fatal.
• Leadership Skills: Oncologists who own their own practice must be able to manage a team of other experts.
• Organizational skills: In both medical and corporate contexts, good recordkeeping and other organizational abilities are essential.
• Oncologists may work with patients who demand special attention for extended periods of time: people who are afraid of medical treatment may require extra patience.
• Physical stamina: Oncologists should be able to carry and turn crippled patients, as well as execute other physically demanding duties.
• Problem Solving Skills: Oncologists must be able to evaluate patients’ symptoms and give the right therapies. If a patient’s life is in danger, they must act immediately.

 

How to become an Oncologist

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree is required. Despite the fact that three years of college or university education is the minimal prerequisite for admission to a medical school in the United States, the majority of prospective oncologists have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. In order to complete medical school prerequisites, students need to include math and science courses in their undergraduate education. Although it is not required, some undergraduates enroll in a pre-medical program, which often includes early clinical practice, volunteer work, and research projects.
• Make an application to a medical school program:A medical school education is required to get the initial information and experience required to become a physician. The majority of medical schools want to evaluate an applicant’s Medical College Admissions Test scores as part of the application process in order to assess their potential. The MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice test that assesses an applicant’s knowledge and understanding of Physical and Biological Sciences, among other subjects. The exam is usually taken during a student’s junior or senior year of undergraduate study.
• Graduate from a medical school: An aspiring oncologist must complete four years of initial training before becoming licensed. During the first two years of medical school, students study anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology in addition to learning how to take a medical history, examine patients, and diagnose medical disorders. Students spend the last two years of their education learning how to care for patients in a medical setting through clinical rotations that include a variety of disciplines, from pediatrics to surgery.
• Finish a residency program: With the exception of surgeons, the majority of oncologists are internists who must finish an internal medicine residency. Surgical oncologists receive extra training as general surgeons during a five-year surgical residency, and then a three-year fellowship in oncology and tumor removal. Before entering a pediatric-oncology fellowship, pediatric oncologists must first complete a pediatric residency. Gynecological oncologists undertake further training after completing an OB/Gyn residency and subsequently a fellowship in cancer. The majority of oncologists’ residencies run three to four years.
• Pursue a sub-specialty fellowship: Oncologists must complete at least two years of extra training with a fellowship in oncology, regardless of which sub-specialty they choose. Doctors can take license examinations and board certification for oncologists after completing a residency program and/or extra training.
• Obtain a driver’s license: All physicians who treat patients in the United States must earn a license by meeting particular licensing standards, which vary by state.
• Obtain board certification: To become board certified as a specialized oncologist, physicians must pass an examination administered by one of the following organizations, depending on the sub-specialty: the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), or the American Board of Radiology (ABR), American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), and the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

 

Where to work as an Oncologist

Many oncologists start their careers at hospitals, but they can also work in medical centers, pediatric hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, jails, public health centers, health care organizations, and a variety of other settings.

Some cancer specialists join a multi-specialty group of doctors to provide a wider range of services to patients, while others form their own private practice to pursue their dreams of running their own business.

Oncologists can also work in academia, as colleges and universities employ physicians to lecture and conduct research. Some oncologists choose to devote all of their attention to clinical research, which may entail looking into more aggressive treatment choices and performing studies for research groups and pharmaceutical companies developing novel therapeutic options.

 

Oncologist Salary Scale

Medical oncologists made an average salary of $281,322 in March 2021, according to PayScale.com. At the time, the top ten percent made $408,000, while the worst ten percent earned $149,000. Pay is determined by a variety of criteria, including the amount of experience, education and training, geographic region, and industry.

Oncologists received an average compensation of $290,000 in 2013, according to the Medscape Medical Compensation Report (2014), which is slightly higher than the figures provided for all other physician specialties. According to further Medscape data, oncologists reported a 4.3 percent rise in their overall salary from the prior year.

Oncologists in the West and Southwest of the United States, for example, received the highest average wages in 2013, ranging between $317,000 and $331,000. Oncologists in the Northeast were found to have the lowest wages ($255,000) for the same year.

There are also significant compensation disparities among the various work environments and employers who hire oncologists. Oncologists who worked for healthcare organizations made the most money, with an average pay of $339,000, compared to others.

Health and Safety

Tags: How to Become an Oncologist, Job Description, Oncologist, Oncologist Job Description, Oncologist Qualifications, Oncologist Salary, Oncologist Skills, Who is an Oncologist