Studying to become an oncologist?

In France, to become oncologist, you need to undergo long études de médecine. This apprenticeship enables the student to acquire all the technical skills and human qualities essential to the practice of this profession. This is what we set out to achieve in our fiche métier oncologue. 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 with this article.

What is an oncologist?

An oncologist is a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancer patients. He creates personalized treatment plans based on the type of cancer, its stage and the patient's specific characteristics. Its role is to provide support throughout the treatment process, from the first 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 health professionals.

The course of study to become an oncologist

Études générales de médecine

Before entering higher education, the oncologist in the making must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:

• Le Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)

• Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Premiée Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major; é a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
• Students are evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
• Those who succeed can enter the health sector.
• Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor's field of study before, if they wish, trying their luck again.
• The PASS approach relieves the pressure associated with the former PACES single entrance exam, while diversifying the student's skills.

• La Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS)

• Introduced in 2020 in order to diversify the training offer in health studies, the L.AS is a program 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 examinations. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
• The L.AS enables students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.

Après le PASS ou la L.AS (see above), générales de médecine se décomposent en deux parts diplômantes: 

• Le Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : three-year curriculum (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) consisting of theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical internships in hospitals.
• Le Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM) : A direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study that integrates specialized courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.

Éend-of-clerkship proofs 

During the final year of their second cycle, students must pass a battery of tests which, based on their results and rankings, will enable them to formulate vœux de spécialit; mais également de ville. Here's the list: 

• Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and count for 60% of the final grade. In order to pass, students must obtain a mark of 14/20 or higher in the thematic knowledge required by all doctors, regardless of their speciality.
• Examens cliniques objectifs et structurés (ECOS): these are organized in May and count for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum mark must be 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 the études générales de médecine completed, the student specializing in oncology enters residency for a four-year period. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:

• Training théoric : interns follow théoric courses covering the various aspects of oncology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep up to date with the latest advances and research in the field.
• Training practical : oncology interns participate in the activities of various healthcare departments.

In addition, the oncology intern must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain a doctorate. Upon completion of this specialization, the intern obtains the Diplôme d'Études Spécialis;es en Oncologie (DES). 

Required skills and knowledge

In order to exercise the métier of oncologist with sérénité, it is advisable to acquire and master a certain number of compétences among which:

• In-depth knowledge of cancerology: the oncologist must possess a comprehensive understanding of the different types of cancer, their biology and evolution. This expertise covers tumor development mechanisms, risk factors and the latest scientific and technological advances in the field of cancerology. A constant watch on new medical developments is essential to propose the most effective and appropriate treatments.
• Maîtrise des traitements et techniques de soins : la maîtrise des traitements anticanceacute;reux est essentielle pour postuler une offre d’emploi oncologue. 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 an optimal 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. They must be able to communicate clearly, show compassion and respect patients' choices, while guiding them in their treatment decisions.

Possible specialties in oncology

While basic training is more than enough to live a carriage as an oncologist that is rich and rewarding, there are a number of specializations that can help diversify your missions:

• Medical oncology: treatment of cancers by chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. It involves long-term follow-up to evaluate response to treatment and manage side effects.
• Radiotherapeutic oncology: the use of radiotherapy to target and destroy tumors. It requires careful planning to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Surgical oncology: surgical removal of solid tumors. It is often combined with other approaches to optimize the chances of cure.
• Hémato-oncology: management of blood cancers and marrow transplants. It also deals with leukemias, lymphomas and other malignant hematological pathologies.
• Pediatric oncology: treatment of cancers in children and adolescents. This specialty takes into account the growth characteristics and psychological support of 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 and sought-after specialty for students.

If you found this article interesting and would like to know more, please don't hesitate to read our oncologist salary sheet !