Oncologists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Modern medical technologies aim to treat patients with serious illnesses like cancers. New medical procedures and equipment are used to treat cancer patients. Although there is still no absolute cure for cancer, continuous studies are made to come up with treatment for this serious health condition. Physicians who diagnose, treat and study what causes cancer are known as oncologists. There are different kinds of oncologist since different organs in the body can be affected by cancer. Medical oncologists, pediatric oncologists, gynecological oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and clinical oncologists are different subspecialties in the field of oncology.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Preparatory courses that one can use to be an oncologist are Science and Mathematics courses like Anatomy, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Trigonometry, Algebra and Geometry. To enhance research, writing and communication skills, they should also focus on English and Speech courses. Accredited colleges and universities offer Bachelor’s degree which is a step in becoming on oncologist. Medical students concentrate in classes which include Physiology, Anatomy, Biology and Chemistry. To be admitted in medical school, one must pass Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Four years will be spent in medical school in which the first two years will be lectures and classes, while the remaining two years will be clinical work where a student will spend time in clinics and hospitals. After medical school, student needs to pass the exam by National Board of Medical Examiners to be able to continue in field of specialization. Oncologists are required to be licensed and certification is recommended.
Skills and Abilities
Oncologists must have the perseverance to read, study and learn new methods to prevent and treat cancer. They need to be perceptive, emotionally balanced and hard working individual. Writing and researching skills is essential. They need to stay calm, focused and composed even when facing emotional situations.
Communication skills are very important to clearly and directly give information to the patient and their family.
Duties
Radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy are performed by oncologist to treat cancer patients. They should study which method is effective in treating the patient. They are responsible in studying and formulating strategies that will fight cancer. It is their duty to explain to the patient and the family the treatments that will be made and the side effects associated with it and administer those treatments. They also help the patient with the discomfort and pain that is caused by the treatment and the disease itself.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Starting salary of oncologist can range from $120,000 to $215,000. Years of experience, type of specialization in oncology, professional reputation and geographic locations are factors that determine the salary of an oncologist. The field of oncology is expanding which will create more opportunities for those who are aspiring to be an ooncologists.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 530 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 Time: 6:15 AM
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