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Studying to become an oncologist?

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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 - Bordeaux 33

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100000 - 100000 per year

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Job Oncologist m/f - Bordeaux 33 We are recruiting an Oncologist M/F to join a healthcare establishment located near Bordeaux, in Gironde, within the framework of a CDI full time. Description and missions You will join a multidisciplinary medical team of 30 to 40 practitioners, in a hospital recognized for its commitment to solidarity and quality of care. As an oncologist, you'll work in the general medicine departments and take part in the overall care of patients in conjunction with the various specialties on offer, such as vascular medicine, palliative care, gastroenterology, diabetology and addictology. Facility DNA The facility, conveniently located near Bordeaux, comprises a team of 300 employees, including 30 to 40 specialist physicians, distinguished by 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 structure also includes a 20-place day hospital and an operating room for outpatient surgery. Compensation for this position, you will receive an attractive remuneration of at least 100,000 euros gross per year, to be defined according to your experience and profile. Benefits - Full-time salaried status - Attractive remuneration starting from 100,000 euros gross per year - Full technical facilities: scanner, outpatient unit, ultrasound, radiology, MRI to come - Employee benefits - Ideal location just outside Bordeaux Profile sought Oncologist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or registrable with the Conseil national de l'Ordre des médecins. Contact us at : O7 44 71 65 O8 Advertisement 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: JoberGroup, France's leader in the integration of healthcare professionals, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your business: - Language training (Level B2) - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Consultant dedicated to your support

Oncologist m/f - Orléans 45

Employee

10000 - 12000 per month

Orléans

Job Oncologist m/f - Orléans 45 We are recruiting an oncologist M/F to join a home hospitalization facility located in the immediate vicinity of Orléans, in the Loiret region, on a full-time permanent contract. DNA of the facility You will be working in a hospital-at-home facility with bases close to Orléans and Amilly, covering the whole of the Loiret département. The medical and paramedical teams provide the same level of technical care as in hospital, with 24/7 continuity of care. Coordination with attending physicians, private nurses, physiotherapists and healthcare networks is at the heart of our organizational model. Finally, the facility is located in a pleasant commune, just a few kilometers from Orléans, with all the necessary amenities, all in a natural setting. Description and missions - Provide comprehensive oncology care and coordinate homecare services - Carry out and supervise technical care in the home, including chemotherapy and transfusions - Manage and support palliative care patients - Ensure post-surgical follow-up and home rehabilitation programs - Participate in on-call medical services - Work closely with multidisciplinary teams and liberal partners - Manage and organize the medical schedule in conjunction with the team Compensation For this position, you will receive a salary of around €10,000 gross per month, depending on your profile and experience. On-call duty is paid at €150 per night and €800 per weekend. Benefits - Full technical platform - Target bonus of up to €1,500 per quarter - Intervention bases to facilitate rounds - Multidisciplinary administrative team - Collaborative work environment - Physician-managed scheduling guarantees organizational autonomy - High patient flow - Paid on-call duty, quarterly bonus, profit-sharing and CSE benefits Profile sought Oncologist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 11995 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from 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

Oncologist - Le Mans 72

Liberal

12000 - 16000 per month

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