An oncologist is a doctor who practices exclusively in the treatment of cancer. “Because cancer can affect any organ in the body, and individuals of any age, there are many different kinds of oncologists” (Ferguson 118). For example, a pediatric oncologist works to treat and diagnose cancers that affect children (Brown). “Cancer found in children is not common, and is different in children than in adults. Pediatric oncologists receive special training in these differences and in how to relate to children with cancer and their families” (Hinkle).
To become a pediatric oncologist one must go through many years of school and training, but the career comes with many benefits including job security and income. Many times, oncologists team up to hypothesize strategies to help patients because cancer can diffuse to the different organs of the body. Patients experience surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to treat cancer therefore it is important for doctors to organize treatment processes (Ferguson 118).
In the United States, only 1 percent of the people diagnosed with cancer are children. Since there is such a small statistic for children, physicians have little practice in handling pediatric cancer. “For this reason, most doctors refer children with cancer to a pediatric oncologist/hematologist for treatment and care. ” Hematology is the treatment and study of diseases in the blood. It is common for pediatric oncologists to acquire a certificate in hematology.
“The close connection between pediatric oncology and hematology developed during the 1950’s and 1960’s when hematologists treating children with acute leukemia, one of the most serious pediatric cancerous conditions, saw oncologist use chemotherapy and other new treatments to treat solid tumors. The hematologists also began to treat solid tumors and other cancers. ” As a pediatric oncologist, one treats, diagnoses and manages the care of children with numerous varieties of cancer. These doctors normally work in children’s hospitals, acedemic medical facilities and other large hospitals.
“Pediatric oncologists are usually also actively involved in research and teaching” (Hinkle). Pediatric hematologists and oncologists manage children and teens with cancers including lymphomas, leukemias, solid tumors, brain tumors, and bone tumors. They also help with diseases of blood cells. (“HealthyChildren. org”). Oncologists must have the qualities of being hard working, alert, and emotionally stable. They must be able to keep up with constant update in information about the cause, prevention and treatment of cancer.
Writing and research skills to publish their results are also necessary. “In addition, oncologists must be prepared to accept emotional and psychological challenges. ” These doctors cooperate with people that are ill and panicked every day. They must be straightforward and clear when communicating to patients and their families because oncologists need to justify complicated information to people who most likely have little scientific background (Ferguson 120). In order to become a Pediatric Oncologist, many years of college, medical school and interning.
To increase the chances of being accepted into the competitive medical field, one should take high school college prep classes. Science and math courses are essential in entering the medical field. Classes such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry will help prepare you for college. Other important classes include English, speech and computer science courses (Ferguson 118). After graduating high school, a bachelor degree is necessary to earn at an accredited university or college. Most students major in science when planning on attending medical school.
Once an undergraduate degree is received, you need to be accepted by a medical school. The medical field is competitive. The admissions process takes grade averages, scores on Medical College Admission Test, and professor recommendations into consideration. Typically, only about one-third of the applicants are accepted (Ferguson 119). Four years of medical school are then needed. Two years involve studying physics, microbiology and other medical classes. Medical school also involves two years of hands-on training with the observation of licensed doctors. “You will have to pass the U.
S Medical Licensing Exam to practice medicine and complete a two to six-year residency program of specialized training. Finally, one must pass another exam to become certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine” (“eHow. com”). Although people studying to be Pediatric Oncologists must go through many years of studying and training, many benefits come with the career. Being an oncologist is very rewarding in the fact that you give hope to patients experiencing a severe disease and hopefully destroy the cancer. Another benefit of being an oncologist is having job security.
“According to CNN Money, the median income for an oncologist in the United States is just over $262,000 annually. Although the position is challenging and requires years of education, it does pay very well and is certainly a benefit. ” Oncologists also receive an exceptional benefits package. Some include to health insurance, vision and dental insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, bonuses, paid days off, pensions, and flexible spending. Oncologists are able to use the newest technology and have access to research studies. This allows them to become even better doctors (“eHow.com”).
Oncologists are doctors who study, diagnose, and treat the tumors caused by cancer. After someone is diagnosed with cancer, oncologists take responsibility of the patient’s care and treatment throughout all stages of the disease. There are different varieties of oncologists, one including pediatric oncologists. It can take an extreme amount of studying and about 14 years of school to become a pediatric oncologist. Since losing pediatric patients can be extremely challenging, it takes strong-hearted individuals to work in this absolutely necessary medical field.