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Macee Prevatte
Mrs. DeBock
English 4 Honors
11/12/15
Job Description of an Oncologist
Cancer occurs when there is an over production of cells in the body, causing a tumor.
Cancer can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors grow uncontrollably but do not spread.
Malignant tumors are the most concerning ones that grow uncontrollably spread. Oncologists are
the physicians that deal with these tumors. Several subspecialties exist under the broad term
Oncologist. This medical profession requires many years of schooling especially for certain
subspecialties. Emotional distress in an oncology setting is very common for most of the staff.
Due to the negative effects of this profession not many people are willing to join, therefore the
supply of these medical professionals is significantly low compared to the high demand of them.
Oncologists are trained physicians in the study, management, and treatment of cancer.
Patients that are suspected of having cancer are referred to physicians that obtain advance
training in this specialty. These physicians are typically referred to as Oncologists. The majority
of these medical professionals are further trained in subspecialties ranging from how cancers are
treated, where they are located, to the type of patient they are dealing with. They become the key
physician in their patients battle by studying, managing, and treating the patients cancer. A
significant part of an Oncologists duties is to initiate palliative care as soon as possible. Palliative
care is a crucial approach when dealing with life-threatening diseases that aims to improve the
quality of life in the patient and their family. The death and loss of patients is a constant part of

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the oncology profession. Studies have shown that the staff working in oncology settings deal
with a wide array of emotions. There is no written protocol on how to cope with these emotions
and when they are left unmanaged they can lead to negative reactions. Through experience,
Oncologist adapt to their own way of coping such as attending funnerals, talking with the
bereaved family, turning to social support, doing something active, and even turning to their
faith. According to Shuman, Oncologists may refer patients to mental health professionals to
help them and their family cope. Oncologist also help provide hospice care to terminally ill
patients to ensure they will be cared for and comfortable in their last moments either in their
home or another facility. Oncologists have an extremely difficult job that takes a toll on their
well-being and consists of a variety of duties.
Much schooling is required to reach this profession. Initially students should acquire a
bachelors degree which is a four year degree. As stated by Adler, their undergraduate courses
should include general biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Medical schools do not require but recommend taking courses in biochemistry, microbiology,
and immunology. Students with work experience in the medical field have an increased chance
of being accepted into medical school. Once a student is accepted into medical school they will
complete this four year program that consists of an internship and residency dealing with cancer
patients. After the student successfully completes medical school they are officially a physician.
In order to be certified as an oncologist by the American Board of Internal Medicine-one of
several such boards that oversee the practice of medicine-the physician must pass both written
and oral examinations on the subject (Adler 318). Prior to the examinations, a three year
residency program is required by the American Board of Internal Medicine before being
certified. Immediately following certification, a fellowship program is required. Fellowship is a

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two year training program in oncology with a final examination. Oncologist that wish to further
specialize in specific areas of oncology require additional certification. In order to maintain
certification, periodic examination is required. Certified Oncologists make a yearly average of
$166,400, according to the Bureau of labor and Statistics in 2012.
The employment and outlook of Oncologists is faster than average. As a consequence of
the hardships associated with the oncology setting, the supply is relatively lower than the
demand for these medical professionals. As reported by Yang, the American Society of Clinical
Oncology instructed a study that estimated a 14% increase in the supply of services provided by
oncologist and a 48% increase in the demand of these services by 2020. Many factors influence
the supply of and demand for oncology services, including changes in the incidence and
prevalence of cancers, population demographics, insurance status and type, and changes in
physician retirement rates and productivity (Yang 39). Due to the amount of work stress
oncologist endure, studies have shown some want to leave the oncology setting but remain in the
medical field while few other want to leave the medical field completely. The oncology setting is
often very stressful resulting in less desire to enter this profession. Work stress is significantly
influenced by the work environment and also the nature of the work. Studies exhibit that an
increased workload and a low sense of control over their work environment causes high stress
levels. In addition, the increase of complex cancer treatments with high demands from patients
and the downsizing of hospital services for oncology patients puts oncology staff at an increased
risk of work stress and burnout. Interventions are recommended in order to develop strategies to
improve communication, stress management, and emotional support.
Oncologists are trained physicians in the study, management, and treatment of cancer.
They are their patients essential health care professional during their battle with cancer.

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Oncologist must ensure that their patient is as comfortable as possible during their illness.
Oncologists have a wide variety of duties to attend to. The vast amount of work required by these
specialist take a toll on their overall well-being. There are many different coping strategies
available to alleviate stress. This medical profession can be both rewarding and stressful.

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Works Cited

Adler, Richard. "Oncologist." Careers In Chemistry (2013): 316. Science Reference Center. Web.
10 Nov. 2015.
Granek, Leeat, et al. "Oncologists Protocol And Coping Strategies In Dealing With Patient
Loss." Death Studies 37.10 (2013): 937-952. Religion and Philosophy Collection. Web.
10 Nov. 2015.
Jones, Martyn C.Wells, MaryGao, ChuanCassidy, BernadetteDavie, Jackie. "Work Stress And
Well-Being In Oncology Settings: A Multidisciplinary Study Of Health Care
Professionals."Psycho-Oncology 22.1 (2013): 46-53. Psychology and Behavioral
Sciences Collection. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.
Manochakian, Rami. "My First Year As An Oncologist." Journal Of Palliative Medicine 17.6
(2014): 636. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.
Shuman, R. Baird, PhD. "Oncology." Salem Press Encyclopedia Of Health (2015): Research
Starters. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.
Yang, Wenya, et al. "Projected Supply Of And Demand For Oncologists And Radiation
Oncologists Through 2025: An Aging, Better-Insured Population Will Result In
Shortage." Journal Of Oncology Practice 10.1 (2014): 39-45. Academic Search
Complete. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.