Oncologists are physicians who manage the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. Within the oncology field are several sub-specialties, which allow oncologists to work with specific groups of patients or types of cancer treatments. Each sub-specialty requires specific training and may require additional education beyond medical school and residency.
Medical Oncologist
Medical oncologists are physicians who treat cancer with several types of drug therapy. This type of oncologist works with chemotherapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer. According to the American College of Physicians, a medical oncologist must complete medical school and receive board certification in internal medicine. Once these requirements have been completed, the physician must complete two years of additional training in oncology. Medical oncologists may choose to specialize in treating specific types of cancer, such as lung cancer or breast cancer.
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with the use of surgical procedures. While a general surgeon may help diagnose cancer by performing a biopsy of a suspicious lesion, the surgical oncologist participates in the complete care and treatment of a patient with cancer. This can involve performing tumor resections, removal of cancerous tissues and following patients who have received surgical cancer treatment. This type of oncologist must work with medical and radiation oncologists, as well as nurses and other care providers, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for cancer patients. In order to become a surgical oncologist, a general surgeon must receive additional training in oncology. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, for example, offers a two-year surgical oncology fellowship that allows general surgeons to rotate through the departments of radiation oncology, pathology, medical oncology and other departments devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists work with cancer patients who are receiving radiation therapy for their cancers. This involves developing a treatment plan, overseeing the radiation therapy treatment and monitoring the progress of patients on radiation therapy. It may also be necessary to change the therapy or treat the side effects of therapy, depending on the type of cancer and the type of radiation therapy that is used. According to the Radiological Society of North America, a radiation oncologist must complete medical school, one year of training in general medicine and four years of specialty training in the field of radiation oncology. Radiation oncologists are eligible for board certification by the American Board of Radiology. This requires passing a comprehensive examination and meeting requirements for continuing professional education.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Gynecologic oncologists specialize in treating cancers of the female reproductive system. This includes cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vulvar cancer, endometrial cancer and vaginal cancer. The Oncology Channel indicates that the requirements for a career in gynecologic oncology include four years of residency in an obstetrics and gynecology program and two years of training in a gynecologic oncology fellowship. As of 2009, 32 fellowship training programs are approved by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Pediatric Oncologist
Pediatric oncologists work with children who have cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, bone tumors and brain tumors. These physicians have specialized training in dealing with young patients who may not understand their medical conditions or provide an accurate medical history. Pediatric oncologists must also work to put parents at ease and help them understand their children's treatment options. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatric oncologists must complete medical school, three years of training in pediatrics and a minimum of three years of training in pediatric oncology. Pediatric oncologists can be certified by the American Board of Pediatrics if a comprehensive examination is completed successfully.
