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!