Oncologist Job Description

What is the job description of an Oncologist? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Oncologist? What does an Oncologist do?

Job description of an Oncologist

An Oncologist is a physician whose duty is to diagnose and treat cancer. These specialized doctors explain the process of the disease and what stage it is in at the time of diagnosis to the patient, discuss treatment options and recommend the best treatment plan. Oncologists can specialize in medical, surgical, radiation or pediatric. Every oncologist must choose to specialize in one of those fields.

This Oncologist job description example includes the list of most important Oncologist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Oncologist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Oncologist Duties and Responsibilities

Oncologist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Providing specific cancer information to patients;
  • Explaining cancer development stages to patients, discuss treatment options and assist in pain management
  • Examining and talking to patients to diagnose their medical conditions;
  • Making cancer diagnoses;
  • Performing surgical operations to remove tumors and determine whether the cancer has spread from the original starting point.
  • Coordinating treatment plans and prescribing various types of treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
  • Treating patients with radiation therapy.
  • Monitoring treatment plans and improving patients’ quality of life
  • Teaching junior doctors and medical students, as well as auditing and research.
  • Liaising with other medical and non-medical staff in the hospital to ensure quality treatment;
  • Promoting health education;
  • Monitoring and providing general care to patients on hospital wards and in outpatient clinics;
  • Working with other doctors as part of a team, either in the same department or within other specialties;
  • Keeping records of patients’ test results and physical examinations;

Oncologist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Oncologist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A Medical degree in Oncology and the successful completion of a residency and fellowship in Oncology.
  • A license and certification to practice Oncology.
  • A caring and compassionate nature when dealing with patients.
  • A thorough and up-to-date working knowledge of cancers and cancer treatment options.
  • Technical skills to operate medical equipment and tools related to cancer treatment.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Oncologist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Oncologist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Oncologist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.