Cancer is a disease that affects people of all ages, races, creeds, and status—in fact, according to the American Cancer Society, over two million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025, and more than 618,000 people will die from the disease. There are hundreds of different types of cancer, and oftentimes, detecting and treating the disease can prove difficult. Oncologists are the first line of defense in identifying the disease in patients and building treatment plans, acting as a crucial resource for people struggling with this deadly and unpredictable illness. In this blog, we define what an oncologist is and explain how these providers play a critical role in cancer detection and treatment.
What is an oncologist?
An oncologist is a physician that specializes in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Oncologists typically lead the care team for patients with cancer, working alongside nurses, imaging professionals, pharmacists, and other medical professionals.
There are many different types of oncologists, each specializing in a different area of medicine or part of the body. Some of the different types of oncologists include, but are not limited to:
- Medical oncologists
- Specialists who utilize medicinal interventions such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy to combat cancer.
- Surgical oncologists
- Experts in surgically removing cancerous tumors and nearby tissue, as well as performing biopsies for diagnosis.
- Radiation oncologists
- Practitioners who employ radiation therapy (such as X-rays) to destroy cancer cells using non-invasive procedures.
- Breast oncologists
- Providers who specialize in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Pediatric oncologists
- Medical professionals who specialize in cancer in children.
- Geriatric oncologists
- Providers who work with cancer patients aged 65 and older.
- Hematologist oncologists
- Specialized medical professionals who treat blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
What does an oncologist do?
Oncologists work alongside a cancer care team to diagnose and treat cancer in patients, serving as the subject-matter experts in cancer and its clinical remedies. As physicians, oncologists typically lead the care team, partnering with nurses, imaging professionals, and other specialists to identify cancer in patients and build a holistic treatment and recovery plan.
When a suspected cancer patient is referred to an oncologist, the oncologist uses diagnostic tools such as imaging tests, biopsies, and blood work to identify the presence, type, and stage of cancer. Once the cancer is identified, they analyze the patient’s overall health and leverage the latest research to build a tailored treatment strategy that can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and more.
During treatment, oncologists monitor patient progress, making adjustments as needed and managing any side effects that arise during the process.
After a patient’s treatment has run its course, oncologists continue to monitor them to ensure the cancer doesn’t return. Oncologists also help patients create strategies to manage the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment. Some oncologists focus more on the research side of cancer, participating in clinical trials in order to improve cancer treatments for posterity.
Throughout the entire diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process, oncologists act as an educational resource and a pillar of emotional support for patients. They help patients understand what their cancer is and how to most effectively treat it, while simultaneously guiding them and their families through the emotional challenges of the process.
Finally, for some cancers, oncologists might recommend genetic testing and provide counseling on hereditary cancer risk in patients.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, oncologists ensure that cancer patients receive comprehensive, up-to-date, and compassionate care throughout their cancer journey.
What are locum tenens oncologists?
Locum tenens oncologists are highly skilled cancer specialists who provide temporary medical services to healthcare facilities. These professionals step in to fill short-term staffing needs, offering their expertise in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
Locum tenens oncologists often travel to different healthcare settings across the country, bringing valuable experience and flexibility to medical teams by ensuring continuity of care for cancer patients even when permanent staff are unavailable due to vacations, leaves of absence, or during recruitment periods.
By taking on locum tenens assignments, oncologists can gain diverse clinical experiences, explore different practice settings, and maintain work-life balance while continuing to make a significant impact in the field of oncology.
Why should healthcare facilities consider locum tenens oncologists?
Locum tenens oncologists can help maintain uninterrupted cancer care services during staff shortages, preventing delays in critical treatments and diagnoses. They also bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences to medical teams, potentially introducing new treatment approaches or best practices.
For facilities in underserved areas or those struggling to recruit permanent oncologists, locum tenens professionals offer a solution to ensure patients have access to specialized cancer care.
Additionally, employing locum tenens oncologists can be cost-effective, as facilities avoid long-term financial commitments typically associated with permanent providers and can adjust staffing levels based on patient volume. This flexibility allows healthcare providers to manage their resources efficiently while maintaining high-quality cancer care.
Locum Tenens Oncologist Jobs and Staffing
Looking for locum tenens oncologist jobs? Need temporary oncologist staffing? Partner with Barton Associates today and we’ll help you find your next assignment or staff your facility!
