Training Required for Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric oncologists are doctors that are trained to study, diagnose and treat cancerous tumors in children. Pediatric oncology is a sub-specialty of pediatrics, so the first step toward this career is becoming a pediatrician. This is followed by additional training in oncology. Many pediatric oncologists work with sick children and their families, while others teach in medical schools or perform valuable research in childhood cancer. Training usually takes about 14 years after high school.
Other People Are Reading
-
Job Description
-
Pediatric oncologists work with children and teens who have cancer. Examples of cancer that may develop in childhood include leukemia, lymphomas, bone tumors and brain tumors. Surgical oncologists may perform surgical cancer treatments, such as biopsies and tumor removal. A pediatric oncologist is concerned both with relieving cancer symptoms and with relieving side effects of cancer treatments.
Education and Training
-
Training to become a pediatric oncologist requires four years of undergraduate school, usually majoring in science or pre-med. Acceptance to medical school is very competitive. Applicants submit transcripts, letters of recommendation and scores from the Medical College Admissions Test. Medical school consists of two years of classroom and lab work followed by two years working under the supervision of an experienced doctor.
-
Licensure and Residency
-
All states require licensure to practice medicine. After graduating from medical school, candidates must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam. Physicians who wish to be board-certified in pediatrics spend at least three years in a pediatric residency. A residency is a form of paid on-the-job training. The American Board of Pediatrics requires that a residency in general pediatrics be completed before applying for board certification as a pediatrician.
Fellowship
-
To become a pediatric oncologist, a pediatrician spends three years in a fellowship in oncology. Fellowships are offered at major children's hospitals and academic medical centers. A typical fellowship involves intensive training in clinical care and research, combined with hands-on patient care. Candidates benefit from the mentorship of experienced oncologists. Oncology fellowships are typically combined with hematology, which is the study of blood and blood disorders.
Considerations
-
After a minimum of three years fellowship training, candidates may take an exam given by the American Board of Pediatrics to become board certified as pediatric oncology specialists. According to the 2009 Physician Compensation Survey published by Cejka, the median annual salary for pediatric oncologists was approximately $205,000. A career in pediatric hematology-oncology offers the challenge of caring for children with complex disorders such as cancer and hemophilia, along with offering support to these children and their families. This career also offers the opportunity to do research that will save the lives of children for years to come.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit female doctor #6 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
