In France, to become a oncologist, you need to complete a long course of medical studies. This apprenticeship enables students to acquire all the technical skills and human qualities essential to the practice of this profession. This is what we defined in our oncologist job description. Since it's not always easy to find one's way through the multitude of options offered by this course of study, let's try to shed some light on the subject in this article.
What is an oncologist?
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancer patients. They draw up personalized treatment plans based on the type of cancer, its stage and the patient's specific characteristics. Their role is to provide support throughout the entire care process, from the initial consultation to the end of treatment or, in some cases, palliative care. In addition, this specialist must collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, radiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.
Studying to become an oncologist
General medical studies
Before entering higher education, aspiringoncologists must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:
- The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the former PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Licence with Health Access (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, encouraging skills development and reorientation.
After the PASS or the L.AS (see above), general medical studies are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- The Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
Externship examinations
During the final year of the second cycle, students must pass a series of exams which, depending on their results and rankings, will enable them to choose their specialty as well as their city. Here's the list:
- Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and account for 60% of the final grade. To pass, students must obtain a mark of at least 14/20 in the theoretical knowledge required by all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
- Objective and Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE): these are held in May and account for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum mark is 10/20.
- Academic progress grade: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Specialization in oncology
Once they have completed their general medical studies , students specializing in oncology enter a four-year residency program. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- Theoreticaltraining : interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of oncology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practicaltraining : oncology interns participate in the work of various health services.
In addition, oncology interns must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, interns are awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Oncologie (DES).
Skills and knowledge required
To practise as an oncologist with confidence, you need to acquire and master a number of skills:
- In-depth knowledge of oncology: the oncologist must have a comprehensive understanding of the different types of cancer, their biology and evolution. This expertise extends to the mechanisms of tumor development, risk factors, and the latest scientific and technological advances in the field of oncology. A constant watch on new medical developments is essential if we are to propose the most effective and appropriate treatments.
- Mastery of treatments and care techniques: mastery of cancer treatments is essential when applying for a job as an oncologist. This includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies, which target specific abnormalities in cancer cells. The oncologist must also be able to manage the side effects of treatment and ensure that the patient enjoys optimum quality of life during the period of care.
- Human qualities: empathy and patient support: beyond medical skills, the oncologist must demonstrate empathy and understanding. The diagnosis of cancer is often a very difficult time for patients and their families, and the oncologist plays a crucial role in providing moral support. He or she must be able to communicate clearly, show compassion and respect patients' choices, while guiding them in their treatment decisions.
Possible specializations in oncology
While the basic training is more than sufficient for a rich and fulfillingcareer as an oncologist, there are a number of specializations available to diversify the scope of your work:
- Medical oncology: treating cancers with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. This involves long-term follow-up to assess response to treatment and manage side effects.
- Radiation oncology: the use of radiotherapy to target and destroy tumors. It requires careful planning to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Surgical oncology: removal of solid tumors by surgical intervention. It is often combined with other approaches to optimize the chances of cure.
- Hemato-oncology: treatment of blood cancers and management of marrow transplants. It deals with leukemia, lymphoma and other hematological malignancies.
- Pediatric oncology: treatment of cancers in children and adolescents. This specialty takes into account the specificities of growth and psychological support for young patients.
In short, although the path to becoming an oncologist is demanding, it leads to a highly rewarding and respected profession. Oncology is a complex but stimulating field, offering a diverse and rewarding career. Medical discoveries, human interaction and varied case management make it an essential specialty, and one that is highly prized by students.
If this article has interested you and you'd like to find out more, don't hesitate to read our oncologist salary sheet!
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Oncologist (M/F) - Sallanches 74
Employee
90000 - 120000 per year
Sallanches
As part of its business expansion, a healthcare facility in Sallanches, Haute-Savoie, is seeking a new oncologist (M/F) for a permanent position. JobRequirements - Permanent contract - Full-time The Organization You will join a recognized public-interest foundation based primarily in Haute-Savoie and active in the healthcare and medical-social sectors. In addition, the facility offers specialized care in oncology and palliative care with a well-structured and stable medical team. The position is part of a medical team composed of several salaried practitioners and department heads, within a facility that includes a day hospital as well as beds for medical and palliative care. The position is scheduled to be filled in the fourth quarter of 2026. Compensation - Between €90,000 and €120,000 gross per year Responsibilities - Conduct patient consultations - Present diagnoses and treatment options and support patients throughout their care journey - Provide regular follow-up care for patients undergoing treatment - Adapt and approve treatment protocols based on clinical progress - Participate in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings - Collaborate with healthcare professionals to define treatment strategies - Approve chemotherapy protocols for outpatient and week-long inpatient care - Provide specialized medical advice on complex oncological cases - Participate in the facility’s on-call rotations and ensure continuity of care - Approximately 5 on-call shifts per month, rotated among practitioners, compensated at €188 gross on weekdays and €367 gross on weekends. On-call duties involve minimal travel but require the ability to reach the facility within 30 minutes. Prescriptions can be issued remotely via the Osiris software. Benefits - A small, close-knit facility and a stable work environment - A multidisciplinary and dedicated medical team - Executive status with a fixed daily rate and 18 RTT days for full-time employees - Company health insurance and retirement plan - €1,000 relocation bonus - Temporary housing available for up to 4 months - Meal allowance and works council benefits That Extra Little Something Sallanches offers an exceptional living environment nestled between lakes and mountains, near Lake Annecy and the Mont Blanc massif. Outdoor activities and nearby ski resorts provide a true work-life balance. Qualifications Oncologist with a degree from France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Council. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13111 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in onboarding healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Oncologist (M/F) - Metz 57
Employee
5930 - 5930 per month
Metz
A hospital in Metz, in the Moselle department, is seeking a new oncologist (M/F) for a contract position. Requirements - Contract physician or tenured hospital physician The Organization You will join a leading regional hospital in northern Lorraine, spread across several sites around Metz and Thionville. It comprises hospitals, medical-social facilities, and a outpatient clinic, and offers comprehensive care organized into multidisciplinary units. In addition, the facility has emergency departments at two sites and a dedicated oncology program providing both inpatient and outpatient care. Compensation - €5,930 gross per month for contract physicians - Salary based on the pay scale for tenured attending physicians - Up to €1,000 gross per month as a regional practice bonus Responsibilities - Comprehensive inpatient care, including beds dedicated to palliative care - Outpatient services for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and transfusions - Conducting initial oncology consultations and delivering diagnostic results - Monitoring of treatments and urgent consultations - Post-treatment monitoring and follow-up of patients during outpatient visits - Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams - Active participation in clinical trials and clinical research activities Benefits - Extensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy practice, ensuring a significant patient volume - Opportunity to transition to private practice, subject to eligibility - Housing assistance available for two months for tenured faculty members - 80% of moving expenses covered for tenured hospital physicians That Extra Something Metz offers a remarkable cultural heritage, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and its renowned architecture branch, as well as Saint-Étienne Cathedral, famous for its stained-glass windows. The city also features green spaces and a pleasant living environment, ideal for outdoor activities. Qualifications Oncologist with a degree from France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Board. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job posting reference: 13003 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the French Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Oncologist - Bordeaux 33
Employee
80000 - 100000 per year
Bordeaux
Job Oncologist M/F - Bordeaux 33 We are recruiting an Oncologist M/F to join a healthcare establishment located near Bordeaux, in Gironde, on a full-time permanent contract. Terms and conditions - CDI - Full time The facility The facility, conveniently located near Bordeaux, has a team of 300 employees, including 30 to 40 specialist physicians, and stands out for its commitment to solidarity and its diversity of activities. It has 72 full hospitalization beds and is developing several specialties, including vascular medicine, palliative care, hepato-gastro-enterology, diabetology and addictology. The HAH is supported by a comprehensive technical platform: scanner, ultrasound, radiology, mammography, with an MRI planned. The facility also includes a 20-place day hospital and an operating room for outpatient surgery. Remuneration - 80,000€ to 100,000€ gross/year, negotiable according to profile and experience Missions - Work in general medicine departments - Comprehensive patient care - Collaboration with various specialists: vascular medicine, palliative care, gastroenterology, diabetology, addictology, etc Your benefits - Full-time salaried status - Attractive remuneration starting at €80,000 gross per year - Full technical facilities: scanner, outpatient unit, ultrasound, radiology, MRI to come - Employee benefits - Ideal location just outside Bordeaux The equipment - CT scanner - Ultrasound - Radiology - Mammography - Operating theatre for outpatient surgery The little extra Bordeaux is famous for its splendid architecture and historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the region's famous vineyards and rich culture. Profile required Oncologist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Conseil national de l'Ordre des médecins. Contact us on: 07.44.71.65.08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 10189 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, France's leading recruitment agency for healthcare professionals, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your business: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you
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