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Medical oncologists specialize in drug and hormone cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. They require multiple degrees and extensive training, including ongoing research into new treatments. They work with other physicians to create integrated treatment programs and may run clinical trials for new drugs.
A medical oncologist is a healthcare professional who generally specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Unlike surgical oncologists, who specialize in the surgical removal of tumors, a medical oncologist specializes in drug and hormone cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Many cancer patients will have an oncologist as their primary physician throughout their treatment.
Becoming a medical oncologist requires multiple degrees and extensive training. In addition to an undergraduate degree, an aspiring oncologist must attend medical school and become certified as a physician. After completing this training, continuing education and hands-on work as a medical intern and resident paves the way for eventually working as an oncologist.
Medical oncologists typically undergo several years of advanced training in their specialty after becoming a physician. Many work on ongoing drug research to advance or create new cancer drugs. Medical oncologists may choose to become board certified by a medical body such as the American Board of Internal Medicine. Board certification lets potential patients know that the physician has undergone rigorous training in the specialty and has met the certification group’s standards.
An oncologist may be one of the first doctors a person with cancer will need to see. After confirming the diagnosis, the oncologist can recommend treatment options for the patient. Medical oncologists often suggest chemotherapy or drug treatments and may be able to enlist qualified patients for clinical trials that can help them. Finding a good oncologist can be the first step in overcoming a cancer diagnosis. Most general practitioners will be able to provide patients with a list of referrals for diagnosing or initiating cancer treatment.
Medical oncologists often work together with other physicians to create an integrated treatment program for patients. Medical oncology can often be of great help to surgical or clinical oncologists as drug regimens are often concurrent with radiotherapy and surgical removal of tumors. By working as part of a cooperative team, medical oncologists can help patients aggressively fight their cancer and remain in remission after treatments are complete.
In addition to advanced field training, medical oncologists must do ongoing research into new and future treatments. By staying current on research and drug discoveries, they ensure that their patients are receiving the best and most effective treatment available. Many medical oncologists continue to do medical research throughout their careers and may run clinical trials for new drugs and develop treatments.
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