Monday, February 4, 2013

Oncology?

As I was doing my career project on becoming an oncologist, I learned many new things about the medical field. Oncologists have a very difficult job, dealing with cancer patients is already tough as it is, but if some of them don't make it, delivering the bad news would be so heartbreaking and hard. They are also on call 24/7 and work long hours. The schooling is very long as well, it could take up to 10+ years for me to actually become an oncologist and start my practice. I think I can do this job, personality wise. I have been told I am compassionate and understanding and if someone needs help, I'm usually there and give them my undivided attention. Being an oncologist is not just knowing all the medical information, it's also about being there for people and understanding what is the patient's state of mind and their family's as well. Its a lot of hand holding and doing everything you can to save a life. The compensation for oncologists is a bonus, most make over $400,000 per year after experience and start off with usually about $200,000 their first year. Despite the pay, this career takes a lot of effort and time. I would have never thought about becoming an oncologist before this project but now it seems like something I might want to pursue in the future.