onkologer

Oncologists are physicians who specialize in cancer care, focusing on the diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up of cancer patients. They work to tailor therapies to the individual patient and coordinate care across medical disciplines.

Most oncologists complete a medical degree, a residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in oncology (and often hematology). They may obtain board certification in oncology or hematology-oncology, depending on the country, and some pursue additional subspecialties within the field.

Their work includes assessing patients, ordering and interpreting tests, developing treatment plans, and delivering systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. They coordinate radiation therapy with radiation oncologists and collaborate with surgeons and other specialists. They also manage treatment side effects, provide palliative care, and address survivorship issues. Participation in clinical trials is common, helping to advance cancer treatments.

Key roles within oncology include medical oncologist, hematologist-oncologist, surgical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and pediatric oncologist. Each may focus on different aspects of cancer care, from systemic therapy to surgical management and radiation treatment.

Oncologists work in hospitals, cancer centers, and academic medical centers, often as part of multidisciplinary teams at tumor boards. They contribute to research and guideline development and may lead or enroll patients in clinical trials, with the overarching aim of improving survival and quality of life for people with cancer.