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

Apr 10, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Pediatric oncology is a field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children. The causes of childhood cancer are still largely unknown, but research has suggested that environmental exposures to radiation, certain chemicals, and viruses may play a role. The effects of childhood cancer on a childs physical, emotional, and social health can be far-reaching.

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may be used to treat the disease. The success of treatment is highly dependent on early diagnosis, so it is important for parents to be aware of any changes in their childs health and to consult a physician if they have any concerns.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a pediatric oncologist is to earn a bachelor's degree. This typically takes four years to complete and can be in any field, though many aspiring pediatric oncologists go into a pre-med program.
Earn a Medical Degree. After earning a bachelor's degree, the next step is to go to medical school. This typically takes four years to complete and will include courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and biochemistry.
Get Residency Training. After completing medical school, the next step is to complete a residency program in pediatric oncology. This typically takes three to four years and will involve working with children with cancer in an inpatient setting.
Obtain Board Certification. After completing the residency program, the next step is to obtain board certification in pediatric oncology. This typically involves passing an exam administered by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Stay Up-to-Date. Once a pediatric oncologist has completed the necessary steps to become certified, they should stay up-to-date on the latest advances in the field. This may involve attending conferences, reading journals, and participating in continuing education courses.

In order to become a skilled and qualified pediatric oncologist, one must complete an undergraduate degree, obtain a medical degree, and complete a residency in pediatric oncology. The undergraduate degree should include pre-med classes such as biology, chemistry, and physics, while the medical degree requires courses in anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine. After obtaining a medical degree, the individual must complete a three-year residency in pediatric oncology, which includes supervised clinical training and coursework in cancer biology, genetics, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and end-of-life care.

The residency also includes a research component that may lead to the publication of the individuals findings. At the end of the residency, the individual can become board certified as a pediatric oncologist by taking an exam administered by the American Board of Pediatrics. With these qualifications, one can become a skilled and qualified pediatric oncologist.

You may want to check Genitourinary Oncologist, Cancer Caregiver, and Musculoskeletal Oncologist for alternative.

Job Description

Provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and care for children with cancer.
Monitor and assess patient progress throughout treatment.
Develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
Coordinate with other medical professionals to ensure patient receives the best possible care.
Educate patients and families about cancer, treatment options, and the effects of treatments.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care throughout the patient's stay.
Keep accurate medical records and generate reports.
Attend conferences and seminars to stay abreast of medical advances in pediatric oncology.
Participate in research projects and clinical trials related to pediatric oncology.
Provide emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic human anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of pediatric cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment
Skill in performing physical exams, diagnostic tests and procedures
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and families
Clinical experience in managing pediatric oncology cases
Expertise in using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals
Knowledge of ethical and legal standards in pediatric oncology
Understanding of the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis on children and families
Ability to provide compassionate care to pediatric oncology patients and families

Pediatric oncologists play an important role in treating cancer in children and adolescents. A successful pediatric oncologist requires a vast array of skills, including the ability to easily empathize with and support young patients, a strong knowledge of the latest treatments and technologies, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Compassion and empathy are essential to being a successful pediatric oncologist, since children and adolescents often have unique and complex emotional needs that must be met.

Knowledge of the latest treatments and technologies is critical as well, since new treatments are constantly being developed that can help improve the chances of survival for these young patients. excellent communication and problem-solving skills are needed to effectively collaborate with other medical professionals, parents, and caregivers in order to create the best possible treatment plan for each individual patient. pediatric oncologists are tasked with the important job of providing hope and comfort in a very difficult situation, and having the right skills is essential for doing so.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in pediatric oncology?
What methods do you use to form relationships with pediatric cancer patients and their families?
How would you explain complex concepts to parents of young children with cancer?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with pediatric cancer patients?
What strategies do you use to ensure your patients receive the best possible care?
How do you manage competing interests between patient care, research, and teaching?
How do you stay current on the latest treatments and technologies in pediatric oncology?
What has been your experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and working with other departments?
How do you help ensure that patients receive quality end-of-life care?
How do you help families cope with a child's cancer diagnosis?

Common Tools in Industry

Medical Imaging Software. This software is used to scan and analyze the patients body for cancerous cells or tumors. (Eg: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI))
Treatment Planning Software. This software helps to plan the best treatment strategy for pediatric oncology patients. (Eg: OncoEMR)
Dosimetry Software. This software helps in calculating the amount of radiation that is needed for treatment. (Eg: Monaco)
Pathology Software. This software helps in analyzing the pathology reports and to make informed decisions. (Eg: PathXL)
Medical Records Software. This software is used to collect and store patient data, including medical history and current condition. (Eg: Epic)
Clinical Research Software. This software helps in managing clinical trials and in collecting data from various sources. (Eg: OpenClinica)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Pediatric Oncology (ASPO)
Childrens Oncology Group (COG)
International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP)
Pediatric Oncology Education and Training (POET)
European Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP)
American Association of Cancer Research (AACR)
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)
American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

We also have Hematology Oncologist, Gastrointestinal Oncologist, and Cancer Information Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Chemotherapy. Treatment of cancer with drugs that stop the growth of cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy. Treatment of cancer with high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy. Treatment that helps the body's immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy. Treatment that uses drugs or other substances to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth, progression, and spread.
Surgery. Removal of cancer using an operation.
Clinical Trials. Research studies in which new treatments are tested to see if they are safe and effective.
Palliative Care. Treatment to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide emotional and spiritual support for people with serious illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pediatric Oncologist?

A Pediatric Oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating childhood cancer.

What type of training do Pediatric Oncologists have?

Pediatric Oncologists have completed medical school and a residency in pediatrics, as well as specialized training and certification in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer.

How many Pediatric Oncologists are there in the United States?

There are approximately 1,000 Pediatric Oncologists in the United States.

What types of treatments do Pediatric Oncologists provide?

Pediatric Oncologists provide chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other treatments for childhood cancer.

What organizations support Pediatric Oncologists?

Organizations such as the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the Children's Oncology Group provide support and resources for Pediatric Oncologists.

Web Resources

Pediatric Oncology | UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center health.ucdavis.edu
Pediatric Oncology | Winship Cancer Institute winshipcancer.emory.edu
Pediatric Hematology / Oncology | Pediatrics | Michigan Medicine medicine.umich.edu