Job Description of Pediatric Oncology
An oncologist is a medical doctor who has the education, training and skills necessary to diagnose and treat cancerous tumors. Pediatric oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers. These health care professionals have advanced training, education and experience which allows them to understand how cancer affects children differently than adults.
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Size
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Childhood cancer is an uncommon occurrence. Children make up only around one percent of all cancer patients in the United States, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Most U.S. cases of childhood cancer are treated through a cancer center that is affiliated with the Children's Oncology Group, an association of medical institutions that are committed to pediatric oncology research.
Education
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Educational requirements for pediatric oncologists are stringent. Candidates must graduate from a four-year college or university with a degree in a pre-medicine discipline such as biology or chemistry. They typically must then score well on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) in order to be accepted into medical school. Medical school typically requires four years to complete and results in a doctor of medicine (MD) degree. After medical school, candidates typically must complete a two- to four-year residency program followed by graduate education, an oncology fellowship and training in the sub-specialty of pediatric oncology, according to StateUniversity.com.
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Function
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Pediatric oncologists are specialists in diagnosing, managing and treating a variety of childhood cancers, such as leukemia. They may be trained in surgical oncology procedures, including biopsies and tumor removal. They may utilize radiation or chemotherapy to treat localized cancers. A pediatric oncologist is typically involved with relieving the side effects of cancer treatment as well treating the cancer symptoms.
Features
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Pediatric oncologists may consult with their patient's family and referring physician to develop a patient history. They may conduct physical examinations as well as examinations of X-rays, biopsies and test results. They typically discuss all treatment options with the patient's family and caregivers. Pediatric oncologists work as part of a team of oncology specialists in order to provide the best possible care for childhood cancer patients, according to JobProfiles.com.
Benefits
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Pediatric oncologists are part of the physicians and surgeons employment category, according to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects a growth in employment opportunities in this category of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. The BLS notes that salaries can range broadly for physicians and surgeons. As of 2008, primary care physicians earned a median annual income of approximately $186,044. Physicians such as pediatric oncologists, who practiced a medical specialty, earned approximately $339,738, according to the BLS.
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