How to Be Gastrointestinal Oncologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 6, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Gastrointestinal oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that affect the digestive system, such as esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, colon, rectal and liver cancers. These specialists have the knowledge and expertise to provide comprehensive care for patients with GI cancers and offer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. By providing early diagnosis and advanced treatments, gastrointestinal oncologists can help patients improve their outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis of their cancer. Additionally, these specialists can provide support to patients and their families throughout the course of treatment and beyond.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a gastrointestinal oncologist is to obtain a Bachelors Degree in a related field. Coursework should include biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics.
Attend Medical School. After completing a Bachelors Degree, prospective gastrointestinal oncologists must attend and complete medical school. This will generally take four years.
Participate in an Internship and Residency Program. After completing medical school, it is necessary to participate in an internship and residency program in order to gain experience in the field of gastrointestinal oncology. These programs usually take between three and seven years to complete.
Obtain Certification. After completing the internship and residency program, prospective gastrointestinal oncologists must obtain certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. This requires passing an exam.
Earn Fellowship Training. After obtaining certification, it is necessary to earn fellowship training in gastrointestinal oncology. This typically takes two to three years to complete.
Obtain a Medical License. After completing all of the necessary education and training, prospective gastrointestinal oncologists must obtain a medical license from the state in which they intend to practice. This typically requires passing an exam.

The process of becoming a skilled and qualified Gastrointestinal Oncologist requires a long and rigorous journey. This includes completing a 4-year undergraduate degree in a pre-med program, followed by a 4-year medical degree. After that, the aspiring oncologist must complete a 3-year residency in internal medicine or surgery and then a 2-year fellowship in gastrointestinal oncology.

This is followed by board certification in internal medicine or surgery, and then in oncology. Once these steps have been completed, the doctor is considered a qualified Gastrointestinal Oncologist, capable of providing high-quality care to patients suffering from gastrointestinal cancer. The result?

A healthcare professional who has the knowledge and experience to treat patients with the best possible outcomes.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat gastrointestinal cancers, such as stomach, pancreatic, colorectal, and esophageal cancer.
Develop individualized treatment plans for patients, taking into account the patients medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Perform endoscopies and other procedures to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal cancers.
Monitor patients conditions and progress during treatment.
Evaluate test results to determine the best course of treatment.
Educate patients and their families about the diagnosis, available treatments, and follow-up care.
Manage long-term care plans for patients in remission or with chronic conditions.
Provide counseling and support to patients and their families.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Keep up-to-date with advances in gastrointestinal cancer treatments and research.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy related to the gastrointestinal system.
Understanding of gastrointestinal cancer, its diagnosis and treatment options.
Ability to interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests, such as endoscopy, CT scans and X-rays.
Skilled in performing endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Proficiency in operating laparoscopic and other minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Expertise in administering chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapies.
Ability to counsel patients and families on cancer prevention, treatment options and prognosis.
Competency in the use of computerized medical records systems, such as EPIC, to track patient care and outcomes.
Excellent communication, collaborative and interpersonal skills for working with healthcare teams, patients and families.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and attention to detail.

Gastrointestinal oncologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. To be successful in this field, effective communication and technical skills are essential. A Gastrointestinal Oncologist must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to ensure that patients are comfortable discussing their medical history and any concerns they may have.

It is also essential for a Gastrointestinal Oncologist to have strong technical skills in order to accurately assess scans, biopsies and other lab tests. In addition, they must possess a deep understanding of the latest treatments and must be able to explain them to the patient in an understandable and compassionate way. Finally, a Gastrointestinal Oncologist must be able to work with other medical professionals, including surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists, to create an effective treatment plan for each patient.

The combination of all of these skills is what makes a successful Gastrointestinal Oncologist.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What is your experience working with gastrointestinal oncology patients?
How do you stay up to date on the latest research and treatments for gastrointestinal oncology?
What do you believe is the most important aspect of providing quality care to patients with gastrointestinal oncology?
What strategies do you use to ensure efficient diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal oncology cases?
How do you ensure that patients receive the most appropriate level of care for gastrointestinal oncology?
What methods do you use to effectively communicate with patients and their families regarding treatment plans and expectations?
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for gastrointestinal oncology patients?
What do you believe are the benefits of utilizing advanced technologies in gastrointestinal oncology?
How do you help patients cope with the emotional and psychological stresses of a gastrointestinal oncology diagnosis?
How have you incorporated patient education into your practice to promote better outcomes for gastrointestinal oncology patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Endoscope. A medical device used to view the inside of the body, generally the digestive track. (Eg: Colonoscopy)
Imaging Techniques. Imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound are used to detect and diagnose tumors or cancerous growths within the digestive system. (Eg: MRI enterography)
Biopsy. The removal of a small tissue sample for examination and testing to determine if abnormal cells are present. (Eg: Endoscopic mucosal resection)
Surgical Techniques. Various surgical techniques used to remove cancerous tissues or organs. (Eg: Laparoscopic colectomy)
Chemotherapy/Targeted Therapy. The use of drugs or other substances to destroy cancer cells or to inhibit tumor growth. (Eg: Cetuximab)
Radiation Therapy. The use of high-energy radiation to shrink tumors or to kill cancer cells. (Eg: Stereotactic body radiotherapy)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO)
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (GICS)
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
North American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Society (NAGES)
European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)

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Common Important Terms

Oncology. The study of cancer, including the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.
Gastroenterology. The branch of medicine dealing with the digestive system and its disorders.
Colorectal Cancer. Cancer of the colon or rectum.
Endoscopy. A procedure that uses a small camera to look inside the body.
Laparoscopy. A surgical procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera at the end to view the inside of the abdomen.
Tumor. An abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division.
Chemotherapy. The use of drugs to treat cancer.
Radiation Therapy. The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gastrointestinal Oncologist?

A Gastrointestinal Oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the digestive system, such as the stomach, esophagus, small intestine, colon, and rectum.

What qualifications do Gastrointestinal Oncologists need?

Gastrointestinal Oncologists must complete four years of medical school, three to four years of residency in general surgery, and two to three years of fellowship in gastrointestinal oncology.

What treatments do Gastrointestinal Oncologists provide?

Gastrointestinal Oncologists provide treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to treat cancers in the digestive system.

What types of cancers do Gastrointestinal Oncologists treat?

Gastrointestinal Oncologists treat cancers such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer.

How can I find a Gastrointestinal Oncologist in my area?

You can search for a Gastrointestinal Oncologist in your area through the American Society of Clinical Oncology's website or by asking your primary care physician for a referral.

Web Resources

Gastrointestinal Oncology » Division of Hematology & Oncology » hemonc.medicine.ufl.edu
Gastrointestinal Oncology Program - Thomas Jefferson University www.jefferson.edu
Gastrointestinal Cancer - Division of Oncology - UNC School of www.med.unc.edu