Though cancer cases have gone down across the world, it is still the primary cause of death after heart-related incidents. Also, note that more people are succumbing to cancer so there is a need for more and better treatment to help such people to live better lives. To bring you up to speed, a surgical oncologist is a doctor who has specialized in diagnosing, treating, and removing cancers from the body during surgery.
If this is the job you have always wanted to pursue, there are several criteria you will have to follow. Perhaps you are even wondering what goes on in this kind of job? You may be curious about what type of training you need and whether you can qualify.
If you are the person we are talking about, then you have come to the right place. Relax and let us show you some of the steps you need to take to become a surgical oncologist. To learn more about this occupation, keep reading.
Eligibility To Become A Surgical Oncologist
You must first have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. When choosing which degree to pursue, be sure to take one that has lots of sciences, biology, chemistry, as this is what will enhance your knowledge in the medical field.
Admission Test
In your junior college, you will be required to go through the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, to qualify for medical school as soon as you finish your Bachelor’s degree. You will need to prepare and study hard for the analysis as it is not an easy one. Further, the score you receive on this test will be evaluated by medical schools when they decide whether or not to accept you into their program.
Attend Medical School
Once you attain your Bachelor’s degree and pass your Medical College Admission Test, you will then be ready to join a medical school and complete four years of oncologist studies. You will be required to go through two years of theory or classwork and another two years doing practicals in a clinical setting or hospital.
Residency Completion
A residency completion refers to the training in a clinic or a hospital that you must undertake before you fully qualify as an oncologist. Your chosen area of specialization will determine how long it takes you to finish. However, a residency typically lasts between two and five years.
Getting The Necessary Licenses
After obtaining your degree and completing your residence, you will also need to get the necessary certificates and licenses. These will change depending on the state you reside in. For instance, if you want to become a surgical oncologist in New York, you will have to obtain your licenses from New York. They might need proof of schooling and residency completion. Additionally, you might need to undergo other testing, depending on the state’s requirements
Traits Needed To Succeed As A Surgical Oncologist
To become a successful surgeon you will need a specific set of skills.
Good Communication Skills
Being a people person and creating a relationship with the patient throughout the process is important. To do this, you must be able to communicate with a variety of people. In addition, this will be a deeply challenging time in many patients’ lives. As such, you should be able to communicate empathetically.
Steady Hands
It is vitally important for a surgeon to have steady hands and be able to work well under pressure. When operating, it is crucial that you are able to keep your cool and perform with precision.
How Much Do Surgical Oncologists Make?
Obviously, this is dependent on where you are working and which state you live in. However, the National Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average pay of a surgical oncologist in the United States is up to $179,780 per year. However, you might need to do your research and find out exactly how much your state pays people in this line of duty.
Bottom Line
Becoming a surgical oncologist is a calling; this kind of work is not for everyone. As such, before you even think of taking this direction, ask yourself whether it’s your calling or you are just doing it because you want money. We wish you total success as you work toward your dream.