What is the successful path to becoming an oncologist and having your own practice?

Hi Byron!

First off I am glad that you provided the explanation underneath your question as it helps those answering your question know more specifically what you need more information on.

I want to begin by stressing that an oncologist is a doctor that specializes in treating people with cancer.
If you want to go into even more specifics, there are different types of oncologists, individuals can choose to be a medical, surgical or radiation oncologist.

In order to become any type of doctor you must first get admitted to medical school.
Entrance in medical school has requirements such as a high GPA (grade point average) as well as competitive score on the MCAT medical school entrance test. It is a multi-step process, therefore the requirements I outlined thus far may get you an interview at the University you applied to, but it is not till after the interview that you either get accepted or not.

Anyway these may be details that you may not need to become bogged down by just yet.
My point is likely if you would like to pursue your desire to become an oncologist you will probably complete at least a couple years of an undergraduate degree, then apply to medical school & upon acceptance it won't be till after medical school that you will then specialize in oncology.
That is why the details don't matter as much, just yet!

However, you may be interested in cancer research as opposed to being a clinician that specializes in oncology. There are different positions within research. You could be the private investigator, a lab technician or to get a better idea of whether you enjoy research you may choose to apply for a Master's degree (once you have finished your undergraduate degree). The lab that you choose to volunteer, pursue a graduate degree or work in will have to be tailored to cancer research. Even then there are different disciplines that deal with cancer research, such as physiology, pharmacology (sounds like that is what you are interested in.."use chemicals to slow down the rate of cancer cells"), biochemistry, pathology etc.

I work in a lab where I have one main supervisor & a co-supervisor.
My co-supervisor is also a respirologist (doctor that specializes in the diagnosis & treatment of the lung). Although he has connections to the research he isn't as involved as my supervisor.
He is not always the man at the fore front of our research & although he tries his best to engage in the research, being a respirologist simply does not allow him to allot the time, energy, effort to research compared to my supervisor.

Lots to think about there!

Primarily, figure out what discipline you want to get into! (sounds like science to me?)
During your undergrad think about what you want to do next.
Try and volunteer or get a work study at a lab if time allows during your undergrad.
Then think about your next step for after undergrad (also some people choose to write the MCAT before they complete their degree..all depends on the person)
If you want to do a Master's make sure you have all the requirements & that you apply in time.
OR
If you want to do medical school also make sure you have all the requirements & that you apply in time.

You'll figure it out. Best of luck!

Cancer research is done by either PhDs or MD PhDs. If you're doing research, you'll likely be associated with a University that is a research institution. Research is very rarely done in private practice. If you want to do research and practice medicine, look into MD PhD programs. If you just like research, look into a biochemistry PhD program to start. Google is your friend! Start searching!