A Day in the Life of an Oncologist
Oncologists are physicians who diagnose and treat cancer. Managing cancer patients requires extensive medical knowledge, technical skills, and emotional sensitivity. A typical day in the life of an oncologist is busy, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
Morning Routine
An oncologist's day often starts early, around 7 or 8am. Upon arriving at the office or hospital, oncologists begin catching up on patient charts, lab reports, and test results. Staying updated on their patients' status helps oncologists plan their day.
Multi-disciplinary team meetings may also occur first thing in the morning. Oncologists collaborate with surgery, radiation, pathology, radiology, and palliative care specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for new cancer patients.
Outpatient Clinic
Much of an oncologist's day revolves around outpatient clinic appointments. Patients arrive intermittently for follow-up visits and chemotherapy or other infusion treatments.
During a routine visit, the oncologist obtains a history, performs a physical exam, reviews recent test results, assesses the patient's current health status, provides counseling, adjusts medications if needed, and orders upcoming tests or procedures. Appointments generally last 15-30 minutes.
For chemotherapy treatments, the oncologist does a focused exam then oversees the preparation and administration of complex medication regimens by oncology nurses. They monitor for any reactions or side effects while the IV drugs infuse, which may take several hours.
Inpatient Rounds
Most oncologists also care for hospitalized patients who require close monitoring during chemotherapy, tumor surgery, or management of cancer-related complications. Making rounds to check on inpatients takes 1-2 hours each morning.
During rounds, the oncologist examines the patient, reviews charts and test results, adjusts treatment plans, handles concerns, provides counseling, communicates with the bedside nurse, and touches base with the patient's family if needed before moving on.
Consultations
Oncologists frequently consult with health providers in other specialties and departments to develop optimal treatment plans addressing each patient's unique needs. This includes surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, palliative care doctors, nutritionists, and social workers.
Consultations entail communicating patient history, exam findings, test results, prognosis, and the oncologist's assessment and recommendations. Some consultations happen curbside in person while others take place remotely by phone or virtual platforms.
Administrative Work
Oncologists must complete medical documentation, respond to messages, fill out forms, write referrals, prescribe medications, submit insurance claims, and handle other clerical tasks. EMRs and support staff help manage this workload.
Procedures
Some oncologists perform procedures like biopsies, lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirations, tumor marker injections, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and intrathecal chemotherapy injections to diagnose cancers and deliver treatment. These are scheduled between other tasks.
Before procedures, oncologists explain the process, obtain consent, gather supplies, administer anesthesia if needed, then properly perform the procedure. Afterwards, they provide post-care instructions and orders.
Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards
Oncologists often attend regular tumor boards to present and discuss challenging or interesting patient cases with peers across oncology subspecialties. These collaborative meetings aim to provide the best possible care recommendations.
Education and Research
Academic oncologists teach medical students and residents during rotations through their practice. They may also conduct clinical cancer research studies and trials during their career.
Ongoing learning is critical as treatment options continually evolve. Oncologists regularly review medical journals, attend conferences, take CME courses, and discuss advances with colleagues.
Telehealth Appointments
Some patient follow-ups and consultations can be conducted remotely via videoconferencing. This allows greater flexibility but still requires the oncologist's full attention and clinical judgment.
Afternoon Wrap Up
As clinic hours end, oncologists finish patient notes, dictate consultation reports, finalize treatment plans, respond to messages, submit prescriptions and prior authorizations, and touch base with staff regarding the next days schedule.
Late Evening On-Call Duty
Oncologists take turns covering night and weekend calls to manage any urgent issues or emergencies that arise with their hospitalized and clinic patients when the office is closed.
This may involve going into the hospital for issues like uncontrolled pain or complications of chemotherapy that require immediate evaluation and treatment by the oncologist familiar with the patients case.
Rewards of the Job
Despite busy days and unpredictable emergencies, most oncologists find great purpose in caring for cancer patients during such a challenging time. They provide scientific expertise but also emotional support.
Oncologists experience the ups and downs of cancer treatment including celebrating remissions and cures but also sometimes losing a patient. Yet it is profoundly rewarding guiding patients through their journey and making a difference.
Oncology is a challenging but extremely fulfilling career path for physicians who want to specialize in the cutting edge diagnosis and treatment of complex cancers.
FAQs
What time does an oncologist's day start?
Most oncologists arrive at the hospital or clinic around 7-8am to review notes, tests, and plan their day.
How much time does an oncologist spend with each patient?
Appointments usually last 15-30 minutes. Chemotherapy infusions may take several hours overseeing the nurses.
What percentage of time do oncologists spend in surgery?
Surgical oncologists operate, but most medical oncologists do not. They may perform minor procedures like biopsies.
Do oncologists work on weekends?
Yes, oncologists take turns being on call nights and weekends to handle emergencies and issues requiring urgent attention.
Why does someone choose to become an oncologist?
Oncology is challenging but rewarding for doctors who want to treat cancer and make a difference for patients facing it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Related Coverage
A typical day for an oncologist involves clinic appointments, inpatient rounds, consultations, procedures, research, and call duties. It's busy but rewarding....