2 answers
Jacob
Student
Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
2
Questions
Asked
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What is involved in becoming an oncologist?
I am most interested in learning how much schooling is involved and how long that will take. Additionally, how much stress does this cause? Will the coursework bog you down? How hard is it to get into medical school? #oncology #oncologist
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2 answers
Jennifer Smith
5
Answers
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
You may want to reach out to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. I worked there for a short time and they are the top US and European resource for oncologists. They have a free student membership that may interest you and provide additional resources. See, https://www.asco.org/membership/member-benefits/students-non-oncology-residents.
Thank you for your answer. It was helpful.
Jacob
Rachel Weinheimer
Surgeon
1121
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Oncology is a great field requiring a medical doctorate. This means that you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements. GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once accepted to medical school, as long as you pass your classes and perform reasonably well during your four years of medical training, you can apply for an internal medicine 3-year residency. Following that, you will apply for a 3-year hematology and oncology fellowship. 4 years college + 4 years med school + 3 years IM + 3 years Heme Onc = 14 years of school after high school. This type of work can be exceedingly stressful and yes, the coursework can bog you down. However, if this is a field that will provide you with a life’s purpose, a deep fulfillment in serving your patients, and an intellectual challenge, then a career in oncology could be well worth the sacrifices.
Thank you very much for your answer! It was quite helpful.
Jacob