The Oncologist Wears Many Hats When it comes to Patient Care

When a medical student sets out to decide what field of medicine he wants to pursue, a lot of consideration must be put into what area best suits his interests, desired working environment and personality. Does he want to work as a pediatrician and see children all day? Is he more inclined to work in plastic or reconstructive surgery? Then there is the field of oncology, the medical profession that often sees moments that rival that of a police officer who has to break the news to a wife that her husband has been in an accident. Then again, it is also right up there with the college professor of computer technology, who must keep on top of the latest developments in his field since they are constantly changing at a rapid pace. We could further compare an oncologist to a therapist, for he becomes a confidant to his patients as they search for answers and express the worries and fears that come with a cancer diagnosis.

No one wants to be the bearer of bad news. However, this is the role the oncologist must take on when they inform a patient of a cancer diagnosis. Compassion, good listening skills and thoroughness in answering questions are three important character traits that a good doctor must possess. This is the case even more so when you are dealing with a life threatening illness such as cancer. And while the doctor must attend to this patients needs, time is of the essence, as he is often simultaneously working the research end of the spectrum in the battle against cancer.

When the physician is not seeing patients or in surgery, he is participating in studies and contributing to the advancements in his field. Because cancer research is constantly uncovering new treatment methods, he must stay on top of the latest advancements in technology as well as alternative methods of treatment. Cancer patients rely heavily on their doctor's knowledge, expertise and willingness to exhaust all options. Therefore, participating in clinical research, including staying on top of the latest aggressive treatment alternatives, is an important part of being an oncologist.

To that end, he must maintain a balance between direct patient care and research in order to deliver the highest level of service to his patients. The person you see for 15 or so minutes during each visit is constantly working behind the scenes to ensure you are receiving the top level of care. It is a juggling act for sure, but a rewarding one. When the medical student decides to become an oncologist, he makes the decision not only care for patients, but to be a part of life-changing events, good or bad, and to contribute to the ongoing efforts to search for a cure.