How to Become a Surgical Oncologist: Education and Skills

• Becoming a surgical oncologist requires years of education, including medical school, general surgery residency, and a specialized fellowship.
• The role demands precision, critical thinking, and strong communication, with the ultimate reward of saving lives.
• Despite its challenges, including emotional demands and long hours, surgical oncology offers job stability, high earning potential, and personal fulfillment.

Surgical oncology is a unique and life-saving field where surgeons specialize in treating cancer through surgery. It’s a complex, high-stakes role that requires a mix of precision, compassion, and expertise—because cancer doesn’t wait, and neither can the surgeon. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a surgical oncologist, you’re in the right place! This blog will guide you through the essential steps, from earning your degree to completing specialized training. We’ll also go over the skills you’ll need, the rewards and challenges of the job, and why this path is worth every moment of hard work.

How to Become a Surgical Oncologist

Becoming a surgical oncologist isn’t for the faint of heart. These specialists don’t just perform surgeries – they fight cancer with precision, skill, and compassion. It’s a challenging yet rewarding career that requires years of intense training and unwavering dedication. 

Surgical oncology involves mastering complex procedures, staying updated with the latest cancer treatments, and providing hope to patients in their toughest battles. From medical school to surgical residency and then a specialized oncology fellowship, the path is long but impactful. 

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a surgical oncologist is earning a bachelor’s degree, which lays the groundwork for medical school. While there’s no mandatory major, most students choose fields like biology, chemistry, or pre-med because they cover essential science courses needed for medical school applications.

Key coursework includes biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These courses build a strong scientific foundation and help you perform well on the MCAT, the entrance exam for medical school. Courses in psychology and communication can also be helpful for developing patient interaction skills.

Gaining clinical experience is just as important as classroom learning. Volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, or working in healthcare settings gives you a firsthand look at patient care and the medical environment. These experiences not only strengthen your medical school application but also confirm your passion for pursuing a career in surgical oncology.

Attend Medical School

Medical school is the next big step toward becoming a surgical oncologist, and it typically takes four years to complete. It’s divided into two main phases: 

• The first two years focus on classroom-based learning, where you’ll dive into anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. 
• The last two years involve clinical rotations, giving you hands-on experience in different medical specialties, including surgery and oncology.

For aspiring surgical oncologists, courses related to oncology, pathology, and surgical techniques are especially important, as they provide a deeper understanding of cancer and its treatment. Rotations in surgery and internal medicine are also crucial for building essential skills.

Excelling in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or an equivalent test is a must, as high scores increase your chances of getting into a competitive surgical residency program. These exams test your medical knowledge and problem-solving abilities, so take them seriously and prepare thoroughly.

Complete a General Surgery Residency

After medical school, the next step to becoming a surgical oncologist is completing a general surgery residency. This is where you truly learn how to operate and manage surgical patients. It’s a crucial phase because it builds the foundation for all surgical skills, including those needed in oncology.

A general surgery residency typically takes five years to complete. During residency placement, you’ll rotate through various surgical specialties, gaining hands-on experience in the operating room, emergency care, and post-surgical patient management. You’ll learn to make quick, life-saving decisions and master complex surgical procedures.

Residency isn’t easy – it demands long hours, intense focus, and relentless dedication. You’ll work under high pressure, often facing unpredictable challenges. However, the experience you gain is invaluable, shaping you into a skilled, confident surgeon ready to take on the specialized field of surgical oncology. It’s hard work, but the reward is worth it.

Pursue a Surgical Oncology Fellowship

After finishing a general surgery residency, you’re required to complete a specialized fellowship, typically lasting two to three years. This advanced training is essential because it focuses on diagnosing and treating complex cancers using the latest surgical techniques and multidisciplinary approaches. 

Fellows learn to handle challenging cancer cases, often working closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists to provide comprehensive patient care. Students also gain hands-on experience with advanced procedures, participate in groundbreaking research, and learn how to apply innovative treatments. 

Prestigious institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute offer top-tier surgical oncology training, equipping fellows with unmatched expertise.

Obtain Board Certification and Licensure

Following the successful completion of a fellowship, graduates are required to obtain board certification and licensure to practice surgical oncology. Board certification is a credential that proves your expertise and skills as a surgical oncologist. It demonstrates that you’ve met the highest standards of education and training in the field, which boosts your credibility and job prospects.

To get board certified, you must pass rigorous exams by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). These tests assess your knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and surgical skills. The certification process also requires documented surgical experience and references from supervising surgeons.

In addition to board certification, you must obtain a state medical license to practice legally. Licensure ensures that you meet all state-specific requirements for patient care and safety. To maintain this license, you’ll need to remain active and renew your license periodically. This ensures you stay updated on the latest surgical advancements and practices.

Continue Professional Development

Once you become a board-certified surgical oncologist, continuous professional development is crucial for staying at the top of your field. With this professional development, surgical oncologists can work in various settings, including:

• Hospitals and cancer centers – Performing surgeries and working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Academic institutions – Teaching medical students and conducting research.
• Private practices – Offering specialized cancer care to local communities.
• Research institutions – Focusing on cancer research and innovative treatments.

However, to land your preferred role, networking is key. Building connections with peers, mentors, and experts in the field can open doors to job opportunities and collaborations. Contributing to research publications and attending oncology conferences enhances your reputation and keeps you updated on the latest advancements.

Professional development doesn’t end after training. Continuing medical education (CME) courses, attending workshops, and staying active in professional organizations ensure you remain knowledgeable and competitive in this evolving field.

Essential Skills to Become a Surgical Oncologist

Along with mastering surgical techniques, a good surgical oncologist is also dedicated to developing a unique set of skills that help save lives and support patients during their toughest moments. Here’s what it takes:

• Precision and dexterity – In the operating room, every movement matters. Surgical oncologists need steady hands and the ability to perform complex procedures with absolute precision.
• Critical thinking – Cancer cases can be complicated and unpredictable. You’ll need sharp problem-solving skills to make quick, informed decisions, often under pressure.
• Strong communication – Whether it’s explaining a diagnosis or guiding a patient through treatment options, clear and compassionate communication is key to building trust and helping patients feel understood.
• Compassion and resilience – You’ll be dealing with life-altering situations, which can be emotionally challenging. Staying empathetic while maintaining emotional strength is crucial.
• Research and innovation – Surgical oncology is constantly evolving. Staying curious, researching, and embracing new techniques ensure that your patients receive the most advanced care.

These skills not only help you excel as a surgical oncologist but also make a real difference in the lives of your patients and their families.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The demand for surgical oncologists is on the rise, driven by the growing number of cancer cases worldwide. The latest update verified almost 20 million cancer cases, which is alarming. Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating qualified surgical oncologists who can assist the affected and help save lives. 

The increasing demand is further boosted by the expansion of cancer centers. As many as 100 cancer centers opened in 2024, which means more job opportunities for these specialists. 

Salaries for surgical oncologists are highly competitive, typically ranging from $255,000 to over $380,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and workplace setting. States like Washington, the District of Columbia, and New York are known to pay the highest, whereas Arkansas, West Virginia, and Florida offer lower salaries but are still satisfactory.

Challenges and Rewards of the Profession

Becoming a surgical oncologist comes with its share of challenges and rewards, both of which shape the journey of this specialized career. While the challenges can be demanding, the rewards make it all worthwhile.

Challenges

• Emotionally demanding: Dealing with life-threatening illnesses and often delivering tough news can take an emotional toll. However, building a support network and practicing self-care helps manage stress and maintain emotional well-being.
• Long and unpredictable working hours: Surgical oncologists may work late nights or weekends, especially during surgeries or emergency cases. Prioritizing time management, taking breaks, and balancing work with personal time can help manage this challenge.

Rewards

• Opportunity to save and extend lives: As a surgical oncologist, you have the chance to make a real impact, offering hope to patients through life-saving surgeries.
• Job stability: With the rising demand for specialized cancer care, job opportunities in surgical oncology are abundant and secure.
• High earning potential: Surgical oncologists enjoy one of the highest salaries in the medical field, making this a financially rewarding profession.
• Personal fulfillment: There’s immense satisfaction in knowing that your skills directly help patients lead longer, healthier lives, making this profession incredibly fulfilling.

Conclusion

Becoming a surgical oncologist is a rewarding yet challenging journey. It involves earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school, completing a general surgery residency, and pursuing a specialized fellowship. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in precision, critical thinking, and communication skills while gaining hands-on experience in the operating room. 

The profession offers job stability, high earning potential, and the chance to make a real difference in patients’ lives. Perseverance and continuous learning are essential, as the field constantly evolves. So, if you’re passionate about making an impact, consider applying for medical school at AUAMED—where your future can truly flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How competitive is surgical oncology?

Surgical oncology is highly competitive due to the specialized nature of the field and the extensive training required. Applicants must stand out with strong academic performance, clinical experience, and research contributions.

Is surgical oncology worth it?

Yes, surgical oncology is highly rewarding both professionally and personally. It offers the opportunity to save lives, job stability, high earning potential, and immense fulfillment from helping cancer patients.

How long does it take to be a surgical oncologist?

Becoming a surgical oncologist typically takes around 13-15 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of general surgery residency, and 2-3 years of fellowship training.