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What is a day in the life of a pediatric oncologist like?

I'm interested in pediatric oncology but am worried that I am not fit for this type of emotional job #medicine #pediatric-oncology #healthcare #hospital-and-health-care #oncology #pediatrics

pediatrics oncology pediatric-oncology
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Kelsey’s Answer

Hi Claire! So I was a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and worked with the pediatric oncology/hematology population at the children's hospital. I worked very closely with a lot of pediatric oncologists and it definitely is a very emotional line of work. They say the job is very difficult but very rewarding. You have to be prepared to know that you cannot save every child. You will develop long-term relationships with many of these patients and their families. You absolutely have to be a special type of person to work with this vulnerable population. My suggestion would be to see if you could start volunteering at a local children's hospital in the pediatric oncology department and maybe shadow a pediatric oncologist to get a feel for the type of work they do on a daily basis. Hope this helps!
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Richard’s Answer

Clinic: Evaluate patients . Explain the options including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Follow up with patients after treatment looking for possible complications.
Rounds: Evaluate patients who are admitted to the hospital.
ER: take calls from ER doctors who are consulting for possible admission.
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Estelle’s Answer

As a pediatric oncologist, you will work in the hospital and clinic. In the hospital, your days will start with rounds. You will see each patient, talk to them, and do a physical exam. You will also look at their laboratory values and vital signs. This will help you make decisions on the patient for that day. After rounds, you put your notes in for the day and follow up with other healthcare specialists. These specialists include social workers, surgeons, nurses.

On your clinic days, you will talk to patients one at a time as they come in and work up their problems.

Being a pediatric oncologist is difficult, but very rewarding.
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