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Oncologist

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April 13, 2024 Updated April 22, 2025 14 minute read

A Comprehensive Guide to a Career as an Oncologist

Oncology is the specialized branch of medicine dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. An oncologist is a physician who works within this field, managing the care of patients diagnosed with various forms of cancer throughout their journey with the disease. This involves not only administering treatments but also providing supportive care and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

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Salaries for Oncologist

City
Median
New York
$461,000
San Francisco
$412,000
Seattle
$392,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$461,000
San Francisco
$412,000
Seattle
$392,000
Austin
$409,000
Toronto
$266,000
London
£110,000
Paris
€124,000
Berlin
€114,000
Tel Aviv
₪511,000
Singapore
S$290,000
Beijing
¥200,000
Shanghai
¥520,000
Shenzhen
¥1,050,000
Bengalaru
₹2,600,000
Delhi
₹1,352,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Oncologist

Take the first step.
We've curated ten courses to help you on your path to Oncologist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We've selected some books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Oncologist.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular origins and therapeutic approaches to metastatic cancer. It is written by a leading expert in the field and is considered a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians.
A foundational textbook in cancer biology, this book delves into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. It is essential for deepening understanding at the undergraduate and graduate levels and serves as a key reference for professionals. While comprehensive, its technical depth makes it more challenging for those without a strong science background.
A comprehensive and authoritative clinical oncology textbook, often referred to as the 'bible' of oncology. covers all aspects of cancer care, from principles of treatment to site-specific management. It is an essential reference for medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing oncologists.
Offers an accessible and engaging introduction to the molecular mechanisms of cancer, linking basic science to therapeutic development. It's an excellent resource for undergraduate and graduate students, providing a solid foundation and highlighting how theoretical knowledge translates to clinical applications. The book is well-structured with pedagogical features to aid understanding.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer. It is written by a team of leading experts in the field and is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning more about this disease.
Explores the findings and implications of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a landmark project that molecularly characterized thousands of tumors. It delves into contemporary genomics topics in cancer research and is valuable for graduate students and researchers interested in large-scale genomic data analysis in cancer.
This classic textbook of internal medicine includes a comprehensive section on oncology. It provides a detailed overview of the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer, and is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning more about this disease.
Tells the story of the development of cancer immunotherapy, highlighting the scientific breakthroughs and the personal journeys of researchers and patients. It provides an engaging look at a contemporary and rapidly advancing field in cancer treatment, accessible to a broad audience while offering valuable context.
Presents cancer as a product of somatic evolution, offering a unique and insightful perspective on cancer development and progression. It is valuable for deepening understanding by considering cancer within an evolutionary framework and is suitable for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers.
Practical reference focusing on the molecular pathology of cancer, crucial for understanding diagnosis and personalized medicine. It's particularly useful for professionals and advanced students in pathology and oncology, providing a detailed overview of molecular techniques and their clinical relevance. The third edition incorporates recent scientific and technical knowledge.
This compelling narrative tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells (HeLa) were taken without her knowledge and became invaluable for medical research. It explores ethical issues in research, the history of cell biology, and the impact on the Lacks family. It provides important context on the origins of a fundamental tool in cancer research.
This handbook offers a comprehensive and up-to-date review of cancer immunology and immunotherapy, emphasizing key findings and clinically relevant data. It's a valuable reference for researchers, students, academics, and clinicians, providing a broad overview of this rapidly advancing field.
Provides an accessible introduction to cancer for students without a strong prior biology background. It integrates biological, medical, and societal aspects of cancer, making it suitable for a broad audience. It's an excellent starting point for gaining a general understanding of the disease.
Delves into the application of artificial intelligence and multiomics data in precision oncology. It reflects the increasing use of computational approaches in cancer research and treatment, covering topics like AI-based diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutic response prediction. This highly contemporary and specialized topic.
A poignant memoir by a neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, this book offers a deeply personal perspective on facing mortality and illness. While not a scientific text, it provides invaluable insight into the patient experience, which is crucial for anyone involved in cancer care or seeking a humanistic understanding of the disease.
Written by a physician and cancer survivor, this book explores lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and stress reduction, that can complement conventional cancer treatment and help prevent recurrence. It aligns with courses on nutrition and well-being and offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for patients and those interested in preventative measures.
Provides practical guidance on the role of nutrition during cancer treatment and recovery. It is particularly relevant for courses and individuals interested in the supportive care aspects of cancer, offering evidence-based recommendations for managing side effects and improving well-being through diet.
While not solely focused on cancer, this comprehensive cell biology textbook crucial prerequisite for understanding the cellular basis of cancer. It provides essential background knowledge on cell function, growth, and regulation, which are fundamental to grasping oncogenesis. It standard textbook at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Understanding the immune system is increasingly vital in cancer biology, particularly with the advent of immunotherapy. This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of immunology, serving as crucial background knowledge for comprehending cancer-immune interactions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cancer prevention and public health, covering topics such as the epidemiology of cancer, cancer risk factors, and prevention strategies. It is written by leading experts in the field and is an essential resource for anyone interested in cancer prevention.
While not exclusively about cancer, this book offers mindfulness techniques that can be highly beneficial for cancer patients dealing with pain, stress, and anxiety, aligning with courses on mindfulness for cancer. It provides practical tools for improving mental and emotional well-being during illness.
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