Pediatric oncology is an incredibly difficult field, especially since it involves treating children. Becoming a pediatric oncologist requires a long training period, empathy, and mental strength. It takes 26 years of training and taking standardized tests to get started. Pediatric Oncology Centers are located at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
Julie cites some things to become a very good cancer doctor. First, it is to be a cheerful and optimistic person, as there are sad and depressing moments. It's academic and involves many hours, so you have to be willing to dedicate yourself. This work involves long days and long nights, so you have to go into it knowing that. Pediatric oncology professionals can hone a variety of skills, both hard and soft.
Hard skills are skills learned through study or training, such as using imaging tools or administering intravenous medications. Soft skills, on the other hand, are personality traits and behaviors that affect your work performance. Many of these skills are also transferable, meaning they can help you in a variety of other jobs and industries. Children with cancer tend to respond better to treatments, such as chemotherapy, which uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Doctors often use chemotherapy to care for your child instead of surgery or radiation therapy, which is often used for adults.
Being a pediatric oncology professional can allow you to make a positive difference, earn a high salary, experience an innovative field, and foster personal relationships with patients and colleagues. This means that pediatric oncology is based on principles and techniques from various fields, such as radiation therapy, pediatrics, genetic-based therapies, and blood diseases. Pediatric oncology professionals help children and families recover from or cope with difficult medical conditions, procedures, and treatments. Many students struggle to find the right place for their training due to geographical limitations. Because pediatric oncology is a specialized medical field, some positions may be competitive for professionals to obtain or retain. One of the main reasons why some professionals dedicate themselves to pediatric oncology is to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Pediatric oncology professionals know how to ensure that all areas and surfaces of their workspace are free so that these patients can move safely.
Before deciding if a career in pediatric oncology is right for you, you may find it helpful to consider both the benefits of working in this field and the potential drawbacks. During the many years of training and during companionship, it's hard to see what your life is going to be like when it ends.
