To become an oncology specialist, one must have a college degree in science or complete necessary prerequisites, attend medical school for four years, complete residency training for four years, and pass a board exam. Research and attending conferences are also part of the training. It takes a minimum of 12 years to become an oncology specialist.
A medical professional who studies and treats cancerous tumors is called an oncologist or oncology specialist. The process to become an oncology specialist is relatively similar to what general practitioners or general practitioners go through. To become an oncology specialist, one must first have a college or bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major in science. If one does not choose to major in science, however, one just needs to complete the necessary prerequisite courses in medical school. This usually includes biology, chemistry, calculus and physics.
After graduating from college or university, one needs to enroll in medical school. It usually takes four years of medical school study and training before a medical student graduates. Having a medical school diploma qualifies the graduate to sit for the medical board exam. Passing the exam will make you a certified physician or general practitioner capable of seeing and treating patients. Just a few more years of training will make someone an oncology specialist.
The next step in becoming an oncology specialist after passing the medical board exam is to select a specialization. This specialization training is often referred to as residency training. To be effective in a chosen medical specialty, in this case oncology, one must continue an extensive study of oncology cases in an oncology or cancer treatment center. Residency training to become an oncology specialist usually takes four years.
During these four years, the resident physician will be under the supervision of many oncologists. He needs to study and learn the individual characteristics of the many types of cancer that affect men and women of any age. As an oncology resident, he will be exposed to cancer patients and help manage their cases. Through this training, he can learn the important aspects of cancer management and different modes of cancer treatment.
Research is also incorporated into the residency program for oncologists. There will also be conferences and seminars that a resident physician usually attends, which will increase your knowledge in oncology and other related specializations. After residency training, it is possible to apply for oncology fellowship training. A board exam is usually held after all these trainings. When someone successfully passes this exam, he becomes a certified specialist in oncology.
Oncology is generally a very good choice as a specialization due to the increasing incidence of cancer cases worldwide. In summary, to become an oncology specialist, one must first spend a minimum of 12 years studying. These include four years in college, another four years in medical school, and four more years in residency training.
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