3 answers
Nicole
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Updated
3792 views
What are the good and bad things about becoming and surgical oncologists?
Since I was little, I have wanted to become a surgical oncologists. I have heard people love their job and some hate it, but I never heard them talk about the benefits or any negative stuff that can affect me. That is why I would like to here about people’s experience and if it is worth trying it.
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3 answers
Bhagesh Pant
Information Technology
17
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Bhagesh’s Answer
Nicole, your dream of becoming a surgical oncologist is powerful. Its completely normal to feel confused when you’re thinking about a career as big and meaningful as surgical oncology. It means you care deeply, and you’re thinking seriously about your future. That’s a strength, not a weakness. Whether you become a surgical oncologist, or something else entirely, what matters most is that you follow a path that makes you feel proud, fulfilled, and excited to wake up every day. And if someday you choose a different path, that’s okay too.
This career is deeply meaningful. I'd advise you to do in-depth research so you've a wise grip over the subject.
Benefits of Being a Surgical Oncologist:
You perform surgeries that can cure or extend the lives of cancer patients. That impact is life-changing—for them and for you. Surgical oncology is constantly evolving. You’ll stay on the cutting edge of cancer research, surgical techniques, and treatment strategies. Unlike some surgical specialties, you often follow patients through their cancer journey, building deep and meaningful connections. Surgical oncologists earn well due to their specialized skills and the complexity of their work. Also, you’ll be part of a highly respected field, often working in top hospitals or academic centers.
As said, each coin has two sides. You should be aware of challenges that an oncologist may sometimes go through.
The path includes 4 years of medical school, 5 years of general surgery residency, and 2–3 years of surgical oncology fellowship. The workload is heavy and demanding. The field changes rapidly, so you’ll need to stay updated with new research, techniques, and technologies throughout your career.
The combination of emotional stress, long hours, and high responsibility can lead to burnout if not managed carefully. Patients who don’t survive, families in distress, and tough conversations about prognosis can be heartbreaking.
Balancing aggressive treatment with quality of life, or deciding when surgery is no longer the best option.
Dr. Tania Arora, a surgical oncologist, shared that her decision came gradually during residency. She found deep satisfaction in helping patients fight cancer and valued the long-term relationships she built. She emphasized the need for patience, emotional strength, and a love for being in the operating room. The Cleveland Clinic also highlights how surgical oncologists coordinate care, perform biopsies, and manage complex surgeries with compassion and precision.
Following resources might be helpful to you. Please go through!
- Pros and Cons of Being an Oncologist — CareerExplorer
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/questions/241/pros-cons-being-oncologist/
- Medical School HQ Podcast: What Does It Take to Be a Surgical Oncologist?
https://medicalschoolhq.net/ss-119-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-surgical-oncologist/
- Cleveland Clinic: Surgical Oncologist Overview
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/surgical-oncologist
- American University of Antigua: How to Become a Surgical Oncologist
https://www.auamed.org/blog/how-to-become-a-surgical-oncologist/
You’ve had this dream since you were little, and that spark matters. Surgical oncology is tough, yes—but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to help people. You’d be the person standing beside patients during the hardest moments of their lives, offering not just treatment, but hope. That kind of impact is rare and beautiful.
But here’s the truth - You don’t have to decide everything right now. You’re allowed to explore, learn, and change your mind. You can shadow doctors, talk to mentors, and take science classes to see how it feels. Every step you take will teach you something about the field and about yourself. You’re showing compassion, and thinking ahead. That’s exactly what great doctors do.
So keep going, Nicole. You’ve got the heart, the mind, and the drive—and whatever you choose, you’re going to make a difference.
All the best, cheers!!
This career is deeply meaningful. I'd advise you to do in-depth research so you've a wise grip over the subject.
Benefits of Being a Surgical Oncologist:
You perform surgeries that can cure or extend the lives of cancer patients. That impact is life-changing—for them and for you. Surgical oncology is constantly evolving. You’ll stay on the cutting edge of cancer research, surgical techniques, and treatment strategies. Unlike some surgical specialties, you often follow patients through their cancer journey, building deep and meaningful connections. Surgical oncologists earn well due to their specialized skills and the complexity of their work. Also, you’ll be part of a highly respected field, often working in top hospitals or academic centers.
As said, each coin has two sides. You should be aware of challenges that an oncologist may sometimes go through.
The path includes 4 years of medical school, 5 years of general surgery residency, and 2–3 years of surgical oncology fellowship. The workload is heavy and demanding. The field changes rapidly, so you’ll need to stay updated with new research, techniques, and technologies throughout your career.
The combination of emotional stress, long hours, and high responsibility can lead to burnout if not managed carefully. Patients who don’t survive, families in distress, and tough conversations about prognosis can be heartbreaking.
Balancing aggressive treatment with quality of life, or deciding when surgery is no longer the best option.
Dr. Tania Arora, a surgical oncologist, shared that her decision came gradually during residency. She found deep satisfaction in helping patients fight cancer and valued the long-term relationships she built. She emphasized the need for patience, emotional strength, and a love for being in the operating room. The Cleveland Clinic also highlights how surgical oncologists coordinate care, perform biopsies, and manage complex surgeries with compassion and precision.
Following resources might be helpful to you. Please go through!
- Pros and Cons of Being an Oncologist — CareerExplorer
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/questions/241/pros-cons-being-oncologist/
- Medical School HQ Podcast: What Does It Take to Be a Surgical Oncologist?
https://medicalschoolhq.net/ss-119-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-surgical-oncologist/
- Cleveland Clinic: Surgical Oncologist Overview
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/surgical-oncologist
- American University of Antigua: How to Become a Surgical Oncologist
https://www.auamed.org/blog/how-to-become-a-surgical-oncologist/
You’ve had this dream since you were little, and that spark matters. Surgical oncology is tough, yes—but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to help people. You’d be the person standing beside patients during the hardest moments of their lives, offering not just treatment, but hope. That kind of impact is rare and beautiful.
But here’s the truth - You don’t have to decide everything right now. You’re allowed to explore, learn, and change your mind. You can shadow doctors, talk to mentors, and take science classes to see how it feels. Every step you take will teach you something about the field and about yourself. You’re showing compassion, and thinking ahead. That’s exactly what great doctors do.
So keep going, Nicole. You’ve got the heart, the mind, and the drive—and whatever you choose, you’re going to make a difference.
All the best, cheers!!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Nicole,
Being a surgical oncologist is an intense jobs. For once, it requires very long training. You need to get your bachelors degree (4 years) before you can apply to medical school (4 years). Getting into med school is super competitive and requires excellent GPA as well as medical volunteer hours and a well-rounded profile. After you graduate with your MD or DO, you'll do your residency in general surgery (5 years) followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology (2 years). Depending on your interests you might even require more training after that.
You'll be very close to individuals and families who had a devastating diagnosis. Cancer is one of the most dreaded medical diagnoses a person can get. The best part: your work can make the difference if a person lives or dies. The worst part: you'll see your fair share of fatal outcomes where even your best effort can not save the patient. Some of your patients will be young or maybe even kids which makes it even more tragic. You'll need to have a good support system in place and take care of your mental health as well as the health of your patients.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-residencies-eras/what-you-need-know-about-2026-eras-application-season
https://www.absurgery.org/get-certified/general-surgery/
https://surgonc.org/fellows/surgical-oncology-fellowships/program-list/
https://www.absurgery.org/get-certified/complex-general-surgical-oncology/training-requirements/
Being a surgical oncologist is an intense jobs. For once, it requires very long training. You need to get your bachelors degree (4 years) before you can apply to medical school (4 years). Getting into med school is super competitive and requires excellent GPA as well as medical volunteer hours and a well-rounded profile. After you graduate with your MD or DO, you'll do your residency in general surgery (5 years) followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology (2 years). Depending on your interests you might even require more training after that.
You'll be very close to individuals and families who had a devastating diagnosis. Cancer is one of the most dreaded medical diagnoses a person can get. The best part: your work can make the difference if a person lives or dies. The worst part: you'll see your fair share of fatal outcomes where even your best effort can not save the patient. Some of your patients will be young or maybe even kids which makes it even more tragic. You'll need to have a good support system in place and take care of your mental health as well as the health of your patients.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Nicole!
You shall need to become very strong to deal with this adequately, but in doing so your ability to help others will be unsurpassable. These efforts set standards for the whole health care team. Continuous Quality Improvement.
PROS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
✔ Ability to focus on multiple organs and use your everyday acute medical knowledge regularly
✔ Focus on quality of life and palliative care can be really rewarding
✔ Good rapport with patients and other health care professionals
✔ General public are grateful
✔ Lots of opportunities in research/pharma
✔ Constantly evolving field will keep you interested long-term
✔ Lots of flexibility around family life
✔ On calls are Oncology only
✔ Well supported services and buildings by not for profit groups
CONS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
〤 Seeing mortality especially of young patients can take its toll on your mental health
〤 Potentially a high litigation and complaints rate (not sure of actual stats) because people are rightly very invested in their cancer care
〤 Can become too sub specialized and this can cause repetition
〤 Competitive - may require you to take multiple years out of training to do research/teaching in order to get a regular job
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!
GOD BLESS!
You shall need to become very strong to deal with this adequately, but in doing so your ability to help others will be unsurpassable. These efforts set standards for the whole health care team. Continuous Quality Improvement.
PROS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
✔ Ability to focus on multiple organs and use your everyday acute medical knowledge regularly
✔ Focus on quality of life and palliative care can be really rewarding
✔ Good rapport with patients and other health care professionals
✔ General public are grateful
✔ Lots of opportunities in research/pharma
✔ Constantly evolving field will keep you interested long-term
✔ Lots of flexibility around family life
✔ On calls are Oncology only
✔ Well supported services and buildings by not for profit groups
CONS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
〤 Seeing mortality especially of young patients can take its toll on your mental health
〤 Potentially a high litigation and complaints rate (not sure of actual stats) because people are rightly very invested in their cancer care
〤 Can become too sub specialized and this can cause repetition
〤 Competitive - may require you to take multiple years out of training to do research/teaching in order to get a regular job
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!
GOD BLESS!