The Society of Surgical Oncology is a organization of surgical oncologists founded in the 1970s that sets the standards and requirements for cancer education. Currently, there are 19 approved programs of surgical oncology by the society, most of which are offered at universities with medical, pre-med, and residency programs.
During the first year, students are involved in courses in surgical oncology service, endocrine surgery, thoracic surgery, and adult and pediatric care for radiation oncology patients. The endocrine surgery course provides information about tumors of the thyroid, adrenal gland, and pancreas. An immunotherapy program is also required for students along with presentations throughout the school year. The surgery branch conducts two weekly conferences reviewing clinical topics as part of a six-month lecture series from July to December covering the field of surgical oncology.
Research projects are required for students and must take place at one of several laboratories in the surgery branch. Goals include achieving a complete understanding of the experimental method, performing various laboratory techniques, and independently conducting investigative work. Students must be able to research a particular type of oncology and provide detailed information on that disease with biopsies and tests along with proper treatment options. All of this work is to be done under the supervision of a certified surgical oncologist, but the supervisor must not interfere with the student in his research.
The surgical residency program focuses on general surgery, pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, and transplant surgery. Students should be able to care for pre-operative and post-operative patients. After qualifying as a senior resident, students are involved in assisting with various surgeries.
During and after completion of medical school along with surgery and oncology training, a three-part examination given by the United States Medical Licensing Examination, a federal department that licenses medical professionals across the United States is administered. The first exam is taken after the second year of surgical residency and tests scientific knowledge related to medicine. The second exam is administered after the final year of residency and tests patient care. The third and final exam is administered after the final year of oncology training and tests the ability to administer proper treatment.