A pediatric oncologist is a doctor or surgeon who specializes in the treatment of cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults. To make a cancer diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan, he or she usually collaborates with a team of nurses and other medical professionals. A specialist may supervise chemotherapy or perform surgery to remove tumors and cancerous tissues from the body. A pediatric oncologist must typically complete a rigorous medical school program, pass a licensing examination, and work as a postdoctoral resident for up to seven years before becoming licensed.
Cancer in children and young adults has a very different nature and spread than cancer in older people. The developing mind and body of a child reacts differently to cancerous growth and the treatments used to remove it. As a result, a pediatric oncologist must have a thorough understanding of the various types of cancer and how they may affect a growing child. He or she must weigh the risks of radiation therapy and choose the safest and most effective method of symptom management.
A pediatric oncologist usually focuses on one type of cancer in children. Many doctors conduct physical exams and clinical tests on new patients to determine whether they have cancer, and then discuss treatment options with them and their families. Experts frequently prescribe medications to alleviate pain and weakness, as well as administer chemotherapy or radiation treatments and track patients’ progress. Surgeons perform delicate procedures on young people’s bodies to physically remove cancer. Some highly-trained professionals conduct laboratory research in order to detect the presence of cancer in tissue samples and develop new cancer-fighting treatments.
A person must complete extensive educational, clinical training, and licensing requirements to become a pediatric oncologist. To obtain their doctorates, most aspiring oncologists must complete premedical bachelor’s degree programs and attend four-year medical schools. Doctors typically take state or country-specific licensing exams after graduation and complete three-year residencies at general pediatric hospitals. Doctors gain valuable experience researching, diagnosing, and treating a variety of disorders that affect children and teenagers during residency training. Before practicing independently, individuals usually spend an additional three to four years in specialized pediatric oncology residency programs.
To serve a growing population of young people, there is a growing demand for skilled pediatric oncologists. New oncologists are needed to conduct cancer research and develop experimental therapies to help people overcome their symptoms. Pediatric oncology researchers and treatment specialists are critical in the pursuit of a cure for the disease.