Oncologist

Oncologist

An oncologist is a physician specializing in oncology, the medical field focused on the treatment of cancer. In certain regions, oncologists undergo training in specific treatment modalities, such as medical oncology or radiation oncology, while in others, they receive training in both areas.

Surgical oncologists are surgeons who have received specialized training in conducting cancer surgeries. Within oncology, there are various sub-specialties, and oncologists often develop expertise in managing specific types of cancer.

Oncologists can be categorized based on the type of treatment they provide:

1. Radiation Oncology: Involves primarily radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
2. Surgical Oncology: Focuses on tumor removal surgeries.
3. Medical Oncology: Involves treatment primarily with drugs, such as chemotherapy.
4. Interventional Oncology: Utilizes minimally invasive image-guided tumor therapies, often led by interventional radiologists.
5. Gynecologic Oncology: Concentrates on cancers affecting the female reproductive system.
6. Pediatric Oncology: Specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer in children.

In many countries, patients receive treatment from multidisciplinary teams. These teams, comprising medical oncologists, clinical oncologists or radiotherapists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, organ-specific specialists, and sometimes general practitioners, meet regularly to discuss patient cases under their care.

Government economists anticipate a rapid growth in job opportunities for doctors, including oncologists, surpassing the average for all careers through 2018. With the retirement of experienced doctors, there is a projection of open positions outnumbering applicants, particularly in rural and low-income regions.

The increasing and aging population indicates a higher demand for medical services. However, changes in healthcare coverage and technological advancements could potentially restrict this demand.