Oncologist

10th

12th (PCB Compulsory with 60% marks)

• To get admission into the MBBS course, candidates have to register and qualify National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).
• National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET) exam is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in May/June.
• The candidate should be of 17 years of age at the time of admission.

Official Website for Registration to NEET: https://neet.nta.nic.in/

• To become an ONCOLOGIST, the candidate should hold an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree recognized by the Medical Council of India.

• After completing 4.5 years of the MBBS program, candidates must complete a one-year hospital internship in internal medicine or family practice. During internship and residency, the student is subject to be posted in multiple clinical departments on a rotatory basis to learn the necessary clinical experience in all the major disciplines. Completing the rotatory internship is a prerequisite for obtaining a medical license. Also, a Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) is a necessary eligibility criterion for pursuing post-graduation studies.
• Candidates can work under a team of top doctors during their internship. The candidates have a chance to work with patients who require different diagnoses. The candidates must gain good knowledge and skills when completing their internship.

• After completing MBBS, the candidate must give the NEET PG entrance test for admission into a postgraduate degree, i.e., MD in General Medicine. 

Official Website for Registration to NEET PG: https://ntaexam.net/neet-pg-2023/

• Admission into the MD (Doctor of Medicine) in General Medicineis based on the candidates' performance in the NEET PG entrance test or institute-specific examination (if specified). However, it may vary from college to college; check the particular college rules and regulations before applying.

• Some institutes also provide admission based on marks obtained in the MBBS course and the work experience of the aspiring candidates.

• The study of MD requires three years of college dedication.

• After completing the postgraduate program of MD (Doctor of Medicine) postgraduate program in General Medicine, candidates must appear for a super-specialized advanced course of DM in Oncology. The course requires three years of studying before the candidate becomes a Cardiologist, doctor,/ Physician.

Official Website for Registration to NEET SS:https://www.natboard.edu.in/viewnbeexam?exam=neetss

• After an internship, the candidate must register with the Medical Council of India. To register with the Medical Council of India., the candidate must have an MBBS degree, one year of internship, an MD PG Degree, and a DM in Oncology. Registering with the country's medical council to start practicing as a doctor is essential.
• After registering with the Medical Council of India, candidates can begin their careers and practice as a doctor in India.

Official Website for registration: https://www.nmc.org.in/registration/

Who is an Oncologist? 

Oncologists are doctors who diagnose and treat cancer. Oncologists often act as the leading healthcare provider for someone with cancer—designing treatment plans, offering supportive care, and sometimes coordinating treatment with other specialists. Oncologists diagnose and treat different types of cancer in various body parts. Care usually extends from the first consultation through diagnosis, treatment, and afterward.

There are three main types of oncologists:

• Medical oncologists use medicines to treat cancer. Examples of medical treatment include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Surgical oncologists remove tumors during an operation. They also take tissue samples (biopsies) from the body to be examined by a pathologist in a laboratory.
• Radiation oncologists use radiation to treat cancer.

JobResponsibilities of an Oncologist

• The Oncologist's primary duties are diagnosing and treating cancer in patients.
• Oncologists work closely with other healthcare team members to develop treatment plans for individual patients.
• Oncologists may also be involved in research to improve cancer treatments and outcomes.
• Oncologists also treat many skin, lung, breast, and prostate cancers.
• Oncologists diagnose and treat different types of cancer in other parts of the body.

Career Scope of an Oncologist

• Once candidates complete DM in Oncology, candidates have numerous options of either joining government hospitals or ever-increasing private hospitals. In addition, candidates can also set up care centers and work independently.

Salary/Income of an Oncologist

The salary of an Oncologistlargely depends upon the standard and level of the organization/Hospital candidate is associated with, especially at the starting level.The starting salary of anOncologist ranges from Rs. 10 lacs per annum. The experienced Oncologist may earn from Rs. 15 lakhs to 20 lakhs per annum.Salary in government hospitals is based on the pay scale and grade the government decides. However, there is no upper-income limit for enterprising Pediatricians who opt to open up own Care Centers.