Understanding Oncology Jobs

Given the prevalence of cancer, the need for specialists who understand this disease is pressing. However, this basic definition of oncology does not fully capture what life is like on a daily basis for most oncologists.

The first thing to keep in mind is that even though oncology is a specialized area of medicine, many oncologist have an even more focused practice. Since cancers and tumors can occur in all parts of the body, many oncologists will devote most of their time to one particular area. For example, some oncology jobs focus on brain tumors while others may specialize in bone cancer. Other oncologists will work specifically on gynecological cancers while others still may focus on pediatric cancer.

No matter what aspect of oncology one chooses to specialize in, the duties are very similar. The first duty for any oncologist is the diagnosis. Many oncologists receive patients based on referrals, because other doctors have discovered possible anomalies in their patients. When a patient is referred to an oncologist, the oncologist will first look at the history of the patient and the other physician's notes. From there, it is likely that the oncologist will perform another examination, possibly leading to a biopsy, in which some of the mass in question is tested to check for malignancy.

After the results are back, the oncologist will confer with the patient and make the next decision in treatment. This course of action will vary depending on the nature of the tumor, its size, and its location. It is up to the oncologist to recommend the best course of action to patients based on their expertise. Often, the first step in any treatment, even sometimes for benign tumors, is surgery to remove the tumor. For those patients with malignant tumors, surgery is then often followed by a course of chemotherapy and radiation, which is used to fully eradicate the cancerous matter in the body.

Oncology jobs can be very difficult at times, since the treatment process for cancer can be very exhausting and emotionally trying for patients. It is important for oncologists to have compassion; the patients seen by oncologists are usually going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. However, even with the taxing emotional nature of oncology jobs, these jobs also have the potential to be very gratifying. Seeing a patient persevere and conquer cancer can be very uplifting and oncologists can experience the elation of victory with each patient that goes into remission.

Lastly, oncologists are then responsible for follow up examinations, to routinely check for any signs of possible recurrence, which can happen from time to time. This can allow oncologists the chance to not only monitor their patients' ongoing health, but their overall lives as well. Clearly, while oncology jobs can be hard some days, the emotional reward for seeing a patient successfully in remission can make it all worthwhile.

To learn more about careers in oncology visit the oncologist jobs page for more information and how to apply for a job.