I am really interested in becoming a physician, and I want to know what kind of things a pediatric oncologist is required to do. I know that they treat children with cancer, but do they only diagnos? or do they preform surgeries to remove tumors as well?
2007-03-23 14:05:52 · 5 answers · asked by student 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
In the US, a pediatric oncologist is a doctor that trains first in pediatrics and then subspecializes in pediatric oncology, where you may do some procedures (e.g. bone marrow biopses, paracentesis) but mostly you treat children with different drugs rather than surgery. After medical school, it would probably be another 5-6 years of training (3 for residency, 2-3 for fellowship).
Pediatric surgical oncology is a highly specialized area of surgery that requires even longer training, but obviously diagnosis and surgery are integral parts of your work.
Pediatric radiation oncology is a subset of radiation oncology, which requires 5 years training after medical school.
In any area of clinical pediatrics you have to be prepared to get very involved with family dynamics of a sick child and their family to help make very difficult choices. It takes very special people to work in these three clinical fields, and if you are interested to see what it might be like then volunteer in a pediatric oncology center if there is one near you, or look up a nearby pediatric oncologist and learn more.
2007-03-23 22:04:49 · answer #1 · answered by subatomicdoc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can be both, but predominately they end up specializing in one or the other. My son's oncologist does some surgical procedures. She did his original biopsy and a bone marrow biopsy. For the complicated surgery though he had an oncological surgical specialist.
My sons pediatric oncologist basically saved his life. I can not even begin to tell you how I feel. He was stage IV with massive abdominal tumors and malignant ascities. She not only diagnosed him, but did extensive research to find the best possible treatment. She never gave up. Her guidance, advice, compassion, and skill has kept him with us . . healthy, great quality of life, and hopeful for over two years. Being a pediatric oncologist can be rewarding, but heartbreaking too. You would not only need skill, but compassion, and probably quite a bit of humor to manage. I don't know how she does it, but I'm so glad she does.
As for pediatric surgical oncologists . . well, I can say almost the same for his surgeon. He was exceptional and was able to remove every visible tumor within the abdominal and pelvic area. He was compassionate and professional. He did exactly what he told us that he could do . . his skills were priceless to us.
I don't know if that will make any difference in the choices you make. I've met many, many young interns. Enjoyed them all and found them dedicated, intelligent, and focused.
2007-03-23 15:09:54 · answer #2 · answered by Panda 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No, Oncologists don't have to be surgeons. They diagnose, prescribe, and oversee treatment for cancer among other things. Many cancers do not require surgery. Some are surgeons. Around here surgeons do the operating most of the time.
2007-03-23 14:17:17 · answer #3 · answered by Neil L 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No they don't. Pediatric oncologists are pediatricians (5 years of training in Quebec, 4 years of training in Canada, 3 in the States) with 3 extra years of hematology and oncology training. They do not operate. Pediatric surgeons do the operation, and pediatric oncologist do the diagnosing, the treatment, and the follow-up
2007-03-23 14:16:28 · answer #4 · answered by Catherine 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I know a Consultant
Oncologist but she is not a surgeon.
2007-03-23 14:14:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋