Medical Oncology arose from the need to cover different medical aspects of surgeons and radiotherapists, in existence years before Medical Oncology was officially recognized as a specialty in Spain, in 1978.
Medical Oncology is a core specialty of medicine for which basic, fundamental training in Internal Medicine is required, along with specialists training in
assessing and managing cancer patients.
Medical oncologists specialize in providing overall care to people with cancer. Their purpose is to care for patients from the moment of diagnosis, providing treatment and monitoring them, until recovery or the final stages of the diseases. They address the pathology associated with the disease and complications arising from the treatment. They also play an active part in providing the
emotional, social, and psychological support that cancer patients and their families need.
They have specialist expertise in managing antineoplatic drugs, and must possess extensive knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of these, drugs, their interactions with other drugs, and systems for monitoring their levels.
Medical oncologists scope of practice
Medical oncologists dedicate their attention to three main areas:
- a) Caring for patients
- b) Teaching
- c) Research
Medical oncologists must cooperate as key members of the team dedicated to
caring for cancer patients, using their experience to contribute to the medical management of the disease. They must have their own patients, and also perform the role of a consultant. They must assist with the primary care of cancer patients, who require complex drug treatment.
They must contribute to the education of colleages, members of the healthcare team, patients and the community in general, both outside and within the hospital setting. At university hospitals specialist cancer, they must teach Oncology to medical students, residetns and trainee staff.
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