Oncologists are physicians whose duty is to diagnose and treat cancer. These specialized doctors explain the process of the disease and what stage it is in at the time of diagnosis to the patient, discuss treatment options and recommend the best treatment plan. Oncologists can specialize in medical, surgical, radiation or paediatric. Every Oncologist must choose to specialize in one of those fields. Every Oncologist works with cancer patients, but each one has a different task, different tools and a different approach to treatment. Because cancer is such a difficult disease to fight, each of these jobs plays an important part in cancer therapy, and often several different types of treatment are combined for a single patient.
Oncologist Eligibility
The minimum educational qualification for becoming an Oncologist is a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Degree from an accredited college or university.
Oncologist Required Skills
- Oncologists should be able to determine which particular type of cancer their patients have and which phase the cancer is in. Many forms of cancer are life-threatening, so being able to diagnose them correctly is an integral part of the job.
- They should constantly evolve in cancer research; they must stay on top of current research and studies to be effective in their positions.
- They also should be able to knowledgeable and well-rounded in several types of cancer treatments to practice treatment methods, which are sometimes combined for their patients.
- They should be able to effectively counsel and advice patients; to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and in some cases and manage that team.
Institutes offering Courses for Oncologist
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad
- Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Bangalore
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
How to become Oncologist?
One has to follow below-given steps for becoming an Oncologist-
Step 1
Students after passing their 12th class with Physics, Chemistry and Biology in the science stream have to go for a Bachelor’s Degree from recognised colleges/universities. Candidates have to appear for entrance tests for having admission in the very courses related to Oncology.
Step 2
Then go for an MBBS degree, after which you do a three-year
a) M.S., followed by a three-year M.Ch. Programme
b) M.D. (Medicine/ Paediatrics), topped up with a DM (Medical Oncology) qualification
c) M.D. in Radiotherapy. If you can’t do M.S. or M.D., opt for a DNB
Step 3
Master’s Degree is given more credit in offering jobs or becoming a specialist in Oncology. After passing their graduation candidates can have this post graduation course from a recognised institute in the country. Here, they are introduced about the details of topics regarding Oncology or other aspects of it which are given below-
Master’s Degree Courses-
- M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology)
- D.M. (Medical Oncology)
Educational Qualification-
The minimum qualification for this course is graduation degree.
Oncologist Job Description
Oncologists’ have a very difficult job of treating patients with cancer. Although many Oncologists find the career rewarding, it is also very demanding and challenging. Because of the incurable nature of the disease, Oncologists are often required to give patients difficult news regarding their illnesses. If you are exploring a career as an Oncologist, understand the disciplines that fall under the umbrella of Oncology and the qualifications needed for each.
Oncologist Career Prospects
Demand for Oncologists is expected to increase due to a growing ageing population. Physicians and Surgeons who are expected to have the greatest job prospects include those who serve rural and other medically underserved areas and those who typically treat elderly patients. Therefore, oncologists can be divided into the following types based on the type of speciality followed by them.
Radiation Oncologist - These specialist use radiation therapy for treatment of cancer in patients
Surgical Oncologist - These professionals follow surgical methods for treatment of cancer
Medical Oncologist - These professionals use drugs for the treatment of cancer
Intervention oncologist - These professionals follow minimally invasive image-guided tumour therapies
Gynaecological Oncologist - These specialists focus on cancer in the reproductive system of women
Paediatric Oncologist - These specialists are concerned with the treatment of cancer in children.
Oncologist Salary
Government Sector: - Oncologists’ salary in the government sector, a fresh Surgical/Medical Oncologist earns Rs. 30,000 a month and a Radiation Oncologist Rs. 25,000 a month. At the upper end of the hierarchy, the respective take-home salaries are Rs. 90,000 and Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000 a month.
Private Sector: - Packages vary in the private sector; a Fresh Oncologist may make Rs. 60,000 to (in a good institution) Rs. 2,00,000 a month. Further hikes depend on experience and level of expertise.
