Education

All oncologists (doctors who treat people with cancer) begin their education with four years of premedical education at a college or university, followed by four years of medical school where they earn an MD (medical doctor) or DO (doctor of osteopathy) degree. After medical school, a doctor must pass an examination to become licensed to practice medicine and complete a three- to seven-year residency, such as general surgery or internal medicine. In the United States, each state has its own standards for licensing doctors.

Many oncologists receive additional training (called a fellowship) after their residency in a specific subspecialty, such as breast surgery or medical oncology. Independent specialty boards certify doctors in each specialty and subspecialty to ensure a professional level of competence for all who earn certification.