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

Jan 7, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The presence of cancerous cells in the body can have a devastating effect on an individual's physical and emotional well-being. To address this, the role of the Surgical Oncologist is critical. A Surgical Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer through the use of surgical techniques.

By surgically removing cancerous tumors, the spread of cancer can be prevented, and in some cases, the body can be completely cured. the Surgical Oncologist works with a medical team to provide comprehensive care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments to ensure optimal outcomes. Together, these treatments can help reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall health.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Before you can become a surgical oncologist, you must have a bachelors degree in a medical-related field. This should include courses in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
Attend Medical School. After completing your bachelors degree, you must attend medical school. Here, you will learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a medical doctor.
Complete Residency. After graduating from medical school, you must complete a residency program in general surgery. This generally lasts three to five years and will provide you with the hands-on experience you need to become a surgical oncologist.
Obtain a Fellowship. Once you have completed your residency program, you must then obtain a fellowship in surgical oncology. This typically lasts two to three years and will provide you with the specialized training you need to perform tumor resections and other specialized procedures.
Obtain Licensure. Once you have completed your fellowship in surgical oncology, you must obtain licensure in order to practice medicine. Licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your states medical board for more information.
Get Board Certified. After obtaining your license to practice medicine, you must then get board certified in surgical oncology. This process involves passing an exam administered by the American Board of Surgery.
Maintain Certification. Once you have completed the certification process, it is important to maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits and fulfilling other requirements that may be set forth by the American Board of Surgery.

Surgical oncology is a reliable and efficient way to treat cancer. It involves the removal of cancerous tumors and surrounding tissue, which can be done through a range of invasive and minimally-invasive techniques. By doing this, it helps to reduce the risk of recurrence and spread of the disease.

surgical oncology can help to improve the patients quality of life by reducing the symptoms associated with cancer, such as pain and fatigue. The success of a surgical oncology procedure depends largely on the skills of the surgeon, the type of cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the patients overall health. As such, it is important to select a qualified and experienced surgeon who is familiar with the most recent advancements in surgical oncology.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat cancer through surgery.
Perform complex surgeries to remove cancerous tumors and diseased tissue.
Monitor patients progress and condition during the procedure and recovery.
Develop and implement treatment plans for patients, taking into account their individual needs and preferences.
Consult with other physicians and healthcare professionals to plan treatment options.
Educate patients and their families about the risks, benefits, and available options for treatment.
Provide support for patients and their families during their treatment plan.
Stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and research related to surgical oncology.
Document medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, and results in patient records.
Participate in clinical trials and other research activities to advance the field of surgical oncology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive and robotic techniques.
Ability to diagnose and treat tumors with surgery.
Knowledge of oncologic principles and understanding of cancer biology.
Knowledge of pre-operative and post-operative care for patients undergoing cancer surgeries.
Ability to recognize and diagnose cancer at an early stage.
Knowledge of medical imaging techniques and their interpretation.
Understanding of cancer staging and its implications for treatment.
Knowledge of the principles of tumor pathology and its applications to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ability to work collaboratively with other medical professionals, such as oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.
Excellent communication skills to discuss diagnosis and treatment options with patients.

Surgical oncology is a highly specialized field of medicine which focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer. To be a successful surgical oncologist, it is important to have strong technical skills, keen problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills. Technical skills include proficiency in surgical techniques such as laparoscopic and open surgery.

Problem-solving skills involve the ability to develop and implement effective treatment plans for cancer patients. Communication skills are essential for the successful collaboration between the surgical oncologist, other clinical and non-clinical staff, and the patient and their family. Good communication skills enable the surgical oncologist to explain the diagnosis, explain the treatment plan, and discuss possible side effects or complications.

Skills such as these are essential for providing effective care to cancer patients and ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Cancer Research Scientist, Dermatologic Oncologist, and Thoracic Oncologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What drew you to a career in surgical oncology?
What experience do you have in the field of surgical oncology?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in surgical oncology?
What challenges have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
What is your approach to patient communication and care?
Tell me about a successful surgery that you have performed.
How do you handle difficult decisions and situations when caring for a patient?
What have been some of your most significant accomplishments as a surgical oncologist?
Describe a time when you had to work with a challenging interdisciplinary team.
How do you ensure safety and accuracy in the operating room?

Common Tools in Industry

Laparoscope. A type of endoscope used to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures (eg: laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder).
Robotic Surgical System. A computer-controlled robotic system used for precise, minimally invasive surgery (eg: Da Vinci Surgical System).
Stereotactic Radiosurgery System. A type of precise radiation therapy used to treat tumors without surgery (eg: CyberKnife Radiosurgical System).
Cryosurgery Equipment. A device used to freeze and kill cancer cells with extreme cold temperatures (eg: CryoPen).
Intraoperative Imaging Systems. Imaging systems used to view the surgical field during a procedure (eg: O-arm Imaging System).
Radiofrequency Ablation Devices. A device used to heat and destroy cancer cells with high-frequency energy (eg: Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation System).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO)
European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer (WCGC)
Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO)

We also have Cancer Social Worker, Palliative Care Nurse, and Chemotherapy Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cancer. A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
Oncology. The branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Surgical Oncology. A type of oncology that focuses on the surgical management of cancer, including biopsy, staging, and the removal of tumors.
Radiotherapy. The use of radiation to treat cancer.
Chemotherapy. The use of drugs to treat cancer.
Immunotherapy. The use of the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
Targeted Therapy. A type of therapy that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without damaging normal cells.
Palliative Care. Care that focuses on relieving symptoms and providing comfort, rather than curing the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a Surgical Oncologist?

A Surgical Oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer using surgery.

What types of surgery does a Surgical Oncologist perform?

A Surgical Oncologist typically performs a variety of operations to diagnose, treat and manage cancer including biopsies, tumor removals, lymph node dissection, and reconstructive surgery.

How long does it take to become a Surgical Oncologist?

Becoming a Surgical Oncologist requires completing four years of medical school, followed by five years of residency training in general surgery and then two to three years of specialized fellowship training in surgical oncology. In total, it typically takes 11-14 years to become a Surgical Oncologist.

What are the qualifications to become a Surgical Oncologist?

To become a Surgical Oncologist, a medical doctor must complete four years of medical school, five years of residency training in general surgery, and two to three years of specialized fellowship training in surgical oncology. Additionally, physicians must pass the American Board of Surgery certification exam to be certified as a Surgical Oncologist.

What is the job outlook for Surgical Oncologists?

The job outlook for Surgical Oncologists is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for all Physicians and Surgeons, including Surgical Oncologists, will grow 7% from 2018-2028. Additionally, due to an aging population, the need for Surgical Oncologists is expected to increase.