The first step to becoming an oncologist is to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. There are many different majors that can prepare you for medical school, but some of the most common include:
* Biology
* Chemistry
* Physics
* Mathematics
* Psychology
* Sociology
In addition to taking required courses in your major, you should also take courses in the humanities and social sciences. This will help you develop a well-rounded education and be a more well-prepared medical student.
Medical School
After earning your bachelor's degree, you must attend medical school. Medical school is four years and consists of coursework and clinical rotations. During your first two years of medical school, you will take courses in basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. During your third and fourth years of medical school, you will rotate through different clinical specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Residency
After graduating from medical school, you must complete a residency in internal medicine. Residency is three years and provides you with supervised training in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. During your residency, you will work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Oncology Fellowship
After completing residency, you can pursue a fellowship in oncology. Fellowship is one to three years and provides specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. During your fellowship, you will work with a team of oncologists and will learn about the latest advances in cancer care.
Board Certification
After completing your fellowship, you can become board certified in oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Board certification demonstrates that you have met the highest standards of training and competence in oncology.
Continuing Education
To maintain your board certification, you must complete continuing education credits every year. Continuing education helps you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in cancer care.