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Eddie
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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What do you need to do to become an Oncologist?
How many years of schooling are necessary to become a medical oncologist? Are there any extracurriculars/classes that I should be taking to prepare myself? What undergraduate major should I look into?
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5 answers
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
For medical onc you would do a bachelors degree, medical school for four years, internal medicine residency (3 years) and then a med-onc fellowship. There are other oncologic sub-specialties as well!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Eddie!
To become an oncologist, one must complete several years of education and training. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the steps required to pursue a career as a medical oncologist:
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: The first step is to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for medical school, it is recommended to choose a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. These majors provide a strong foundation in the sciences and help prepare students for the rigorous coursework in medical school.
2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring oncologists must take the MCAT, which is a standardized exam that assesses knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The MCAT score plays a crucial role in the medical school application process.
3. Attend Medical School: Upon receiving a competitive MCAT score, the next step is to attend medical school. Medical school typically lasts four years and leads to the award of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. During the first two years of medical school, students focus on classroom-based learning, covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. The last two years involve clinical rotations where students gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
4. Complete Residency Training: After graduating from medical school, aspiring oncologists must complete a residency program in internal medicine. This residency typically lasts three years and provides comprehensive training in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions. During this period, residents work under the supervision of experienced physicians and gain exposure to different subspecialties within internal medicine.
5. Fellowship in Medical Oncology: Following residency training, individuals interested in becoming medical oncologists must pursue a fellowship program specifically focused on medical oncology. Fellowship programs usually last two to three years and provide specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. During this period, fellows work closely with experienced oncologists, gaining expertise in areas such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care.
6. Obtain Board Certification: After completing the fellowship program, oncologists are eligible to become board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM). Board certification demonstrates a physician's expertise and competence in their chosen specialty.
7. Continual Education and Professional Development: Oncology is a rapidly evolving field with new research and treatment advancements emerging regularly. Therefore, it is essential for oncologists to engage in continual education and professional development activities to stay updated with the latest developments in cancer care. This can include attending conferences, participating in research projects, publishing scientific papers, and maintaining memberships in professional organizations.
In summary, becoming an oncologist requires completing a bachelor's degree, taking the MCAT, attending medical school for four years, completing a three-year residency in internal medicine, pursuing a two to three-year fellowship in medical oncology, obtaining board certification, and engaging in continual education and professional development activities.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) - www.asco.org
2. American Medical Association (AMA) - www.ama-assn.org
3. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - www.aamc.org
To become an oncologist, one must complete several years of education and training. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the steps required to pursue a career as a medical oncologist:
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: The first step is to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for medical school, it is recommended to choose a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. These majors provide a strong foundation in the sciences and help prepare students for the rigorous coursework in medical school.
2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring oncologists must take the MCAT, which is a standardized exam that assesses knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The MCAT score plays a crucial role in the medical school application process.
3. Attend Medical School: Upon receiving a competitive MCAT score, the next step is to attend medical school. Medical school typically lasts four years and leads to the award of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. During the first two years of medical school, students focus on classroom-based learning, covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. The last two years involve clinical rotations where students gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
4. Complete Residency Training: After graduating from medical school, aspiring oncologists must complete a residency program in internal medicine. This residency typically lasts three years and provides comprehensive training in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions. During this period, residents work under the supervision of experienced physicians and gain exposure to different subspecialties within internal medicine.
5. Fellowship in Medical Oncology: Following residency training, individuals interested in becoming medical oncologists must pursue a fellowship program specifically focused on medical oncology. Fellowship programs usually last two to three years and provide specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. During this period, fellows work closely with experienced oncologists, gaining expertise in areas such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care.
6. Obtain Board Certification: After completing the fellowship program, oncologists are eligible to become board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM). Board certification demonstrates a physician's expertise and competence in their chosen specialty.
7. Continual Education and Professional Development: Oncology is a rapidly evolving field with new research and treatment advancements emerging regularly. Therefore, it is essential for oncologists to engage in continual education and professional development activities to stay updated with the latest developments in cancer care. This can include attending conferences, participating in research projects, publishing scientific papers, and maintaining memberships in professional organizations.
In summary, becoming an oncologist requires completing a bachelor's degree, taking the MCAT, attending medical school for four years, completing a three-year residency in internal medicine, pursuing a two to three-year fellowship in medical oncology, obtaining board certification, and engaging in continual education and professional development activities.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) - www.asco.org
2. American Medical Association (AMA) - www.ama-assn.org
3. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - www.aamc.org
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
an oncologist is a M.D. Generally, the path is something like:
high school - 4 years
undergrad - 4 years
med school - 4 years
residency - I think 2-3 years
fellowship - I think 2-3 years
somewhere in there, pass the boards
There are ways some of this can be shortened, but not much. Your undergraduate degree can be in anything, but generally pre-med students major in things like biology, chemistry, anatomy, or even physics - some kind of hard science.
high school - 4 years
undergrad - 4 years
med school - 4 years
residency - I think 2-3 years
fellowship - I think 2-3 years
somewhere in there, pass the boards
There are ways some of this can be shortened, but not much. Your undergraduate degree can be in anything, but generally pre-med students major in things like biology, chemistry, anatomy, or even physics - some kind of hard science.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
364
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Remember, oncology is a specialized field, so you'll need to complete a fellowship program after your residency.
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
To apply to medical schools in the U.S., you'll need a bachelor's degree. Your college major doesn't necessarily affect your chances of getting into medical school, but it should allow you to take the required prerequisite courses. These typically include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the medical schools you're interested in.
2. Take the MCAT
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a critical part of your medical school application. It's a standardized, multiple-choice test that's been used for over 90 years. If you're worried about the MCAT, consider getting a tutor to help you prepare.
3. Apply to Medical School
Once you've taken the MCAT, you can start applying to medical schools. You'll need to fill out an AMCAS application and submit materials like your pre-med CV, MCAT scores, personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and secondary applications/essays. If a school is interested, they'll invite you for an interview.
4. Earn Your MD or DO Degree
After getting accepted into medical school, you'll spend four years earning your medical degree. The first two years are typically general science courses, and the last two years focus on clinical experience. During this time, you'll also start the process for medical licensure, taking the first two steps of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).
5. Apply for a Residency Program
Next, you'll apply for a residency program. Since oncology is a specialized field, you'll likely need to complete an oncology fellowship program after your residency. The type of oncology you want to practice should guide your choice of residency.
6. Complete Your Residency Program
After getting accepted into a residency program, you'll spend several years studying your chosen field. Some types of oncology, like radiation oncology, offer residency programs, but you'll typically need to complete a fellowship program to become an oncologist.
7. Attend an Oncology Fellowship Program
If you haven't already done an oncology-related residency, you'll need to do a fellowship program, which usually lasts two years. Once you've finished your fellowship, you can take the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam for board certification.
8. Get Your Medical License
The final step is to get your full medical license. Each state has its own requirements, so you'll need to apply for licensure in every state where you plan to practice.
About Oncology
Oncology is the medical field that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. There are three main types of oncology: radiation oncology, which uses radiation therapy; medical oncology, which uses medication; and surgical oncology, which uses surgery. There are also many other types of oncology specialists, each with their own educational paths.
Oncologist Salary
Oncologists typically earn between the high $200,000 and low to mid $300,000 range. Your salary can depend on factors like where you practice, your specialty, and your experience level.
Is Oncology Right for You?
Choosing a specialty is a big decision. Oncology requires a lot of dedication and a long educational path. You'll need to have a strong passion for the field to stand out in the competitive residency and fellowship programs.
In Conclusion
Oncology is a rewarding profession that helps millions of people worldwide fight cancer. If you're passionate about oncology, go for it! Just remember that it's a competitive field with a long training period. If you need help with any part of the application process, consider reaching out to an admissions counselor. Good luck!
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
To apply to medical schools in the U.S., you'll need a bachelor's degree. Your college major doesn't necessarily affect your chances of getting into medical school, but it should allow you to take the required prerequisite courses. These typically include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the medical schools you're interested in.
2. Take the MCAT
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a critical part of your medical school application. It's a standardized, multiple-choice test that's been used for over 90 years. If you're worried about the MCAT, consider getting a tutor to help you prepare.
3. Apply to Medical School
Once you've taken the MCAT, you can start applying to medical schools. You'll need to fill out an AMCAS application and submit materials like your pre-med CV, MCAT scores, personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and secondary applications/essays. If a school is interested, they'll invite you for an interview.
4. Earn Your MD or DO Degree
After getting accepted into medical school, you'll spend four years earning your medical degree. The first two years are typically general science courses, and the last two years focus on clinical experience. During this time, you'll also start the process for medical licensure, taking the first two steps of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).
5. Apply for a Residency Program
Next, you'll apply for a residency program. Since oncology is a specialized field, you'll likely need to complete an oncology fellowship program after your residency. The type of oncology you want to practice should guide your choice of residency.
6. Complete Your Residency Program
After getting accepted into a residency program, you'll spend several years studying your chosen field. Some types of oncology, like radiation oncology, offer residency programs, but you'll typically need to complete a fellowship program to become an oncologist.
7. Attend an Oncology Fellowship Program
If you haven't already done an oncology-related residency, you'll need to do a fellowship program, which usually lasts two years. Once you've finished your fellowship, you can take the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam for board certification.
8. Get Your Medical License
The final step is to get your full medical license. Each state has its own requirements, so you'll need to apply for licensure in every state where you plan to practice.
About Oncology
Oncology is the medical field that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. There are three main types of oncology: radiation oncology, which uses radiation therapy; medical oncology, which uses medication; and surgical oncology, which uses surgery. There are also many other types of oncology specialists, each with their own educational paths.
Oncologist Salary
Oncologists typically earn between the high $200,000 and low to mid $300,000 range. Your salary can depend on factors like where you practice, your specialty, and your experience level.
Is Oncology Right for You?
Choosing a specialty is a big decision. Oncology requires a lot of dedication and a long educational path. You'll need to have a strong passion for the field to stand out in the competitive residency and fellowship programs.
In Conclusion
Oncology is a rewarding profession that helps millions of people worldwide fight cancer. If you're passionate about oncology, go for it! Just remember that it's a competitive field with a long training period. If you need help with any part of the application process, consider reaching out to an admissions counselor. Good luck!
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
23
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I am an orthopaedic surgeon and I think Aisha’s answer above is quite good. I would add that these days many internal medicine residency programs are 4 years long. During this time you will be paid a modest salary by the hospital where you are based. After you finish the internal medicine residency you can take the board exam and become certified as an internist, but you can also proceed to a fellowship in oncology. The length of the fellowship can vary, and again, you will receive a salary, but not a very large one. From that point you will have to choose what kind of practice you want. You can do private practice, you can join a large clinic system, or you can stay in academics and teach and practice at the medical school. The life of a physician these days can be difficult and stressful, but it is about as rewarding work as you can find and it does pay a good salary once you have finished your training.