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Medical Oncologists are specialist physicians who diagnose and treat different types of cancer using chemotherapy, specialist drugs, and biotherapies. They work in cancer clinics, hospitals, and outpatient cancer care centres, and may also provide advisory services to government agencies and academic institutions.
As a Medical Oncologist you could be ordering laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures for a new patient who has been referred by a GP, analysing test results and discussing the outcomes with a patient, explaining a cancer diagnosis to a patient, discussing treatment options with a patient and their partner, attending an international conference on cancer treatments, or just scheduling a short-vacation for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation.
This is a very demanding occupation and to succeed you will need to be highly organised and committed to lifelong learning and career development. You will also need excellent interpersonal skills and a natural sense of empathy and compassion.
Salaries for Medical Oncologists working in Australia start at $3,970.00 per week ($206,440 annually). Increase your earning capacity by obtaining specialist qualifications in gynaecology, paediatrics, obstetrics, or surgery.
There are currently 690 Medical Oncologists working in Australia. This is a growing occupation with excellent prospects for future employment and private practice.
To become a qualified Medical Oncologist you first need to become a qualified doctor by:
Once you are a registered physician you must then complete a six-year training fellowship with The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. This includes three years studying adult internal medicine and another three years studying advanced medical oncology.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
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Here are some potential career pathways within oncology. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Oncology
Oncologist
$1,500 weekly pay