Gastrointestinal Oncologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of medicine, the focus on gastrointestinal oncologists is more crucial than ever.

As medical advancements continue, the need for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and manage gastrointestinal cancers becomes increasingly vital.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a gastrointestinal oncologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of gastrointestinal oncology,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable gastrointestinal oncologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Gastrointestinal Oncologist Duties and Responsibilities

Gastrointestinal Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Their work primarily involves treating patients, conducting research, and consulting with other medical professionals.

The duties and responsibilities of a Gastrointestinal Oncologist include:

• Evaluating patients’ medical history and symptoms to make accurate diagnoses
• Performing physical examinations and diagnostic tests to assess the patient’s condition
• Interpreting diagnostic tests and imaging results to determine the stage and extent of the cancer
• Developing personalized treatment plans that may include medication, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery
• Providing supportive care for symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment
• Conducting clinical trials to test new treatments and medications
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families, explaining the diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects, and prognosis
• Collaborating with other medical professionals such as surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses to provide comprehensive care to patients
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in oncology and specifically gastrointestinal oncology

 

Gastrointestinal Oncologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Gastrointestinal Oncologist to join our professional team.

The ideal candidate will specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

They will provide expert care and consultation services, work with a multidisciplinary team, and stay updated with the latest research and treatment procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Examine patients, order diagnostic tests, and interpret results to identify malignancies in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
• Provide compassionate care to patients and families before, during, and after treatment.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as Radiologists, Pathologists, and Surgeons, to provide multidisciplinary care.
• Lead clinical trials and contribute to oncology research.
• Stay updated on the latest developments in gastrointestinal oncology.
• Educate patients and families about the disease, treatment options, potential side effects, and recovery.
• Participate in educational programs, lectures, and conferences to maintain and enhance clinical expertise and competence.

 

Qualifications

• Board-certified in Medical Oncology with a subspecialty in Gastrointestinal Oncology.
• Proven clinical experience in a similar role.
• Extensive knowledge of gastrointestinal cancers and their treatments.
• Proficiency in conducting and interpreting diagnostic tests and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate complex medical information to patients and families.
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to ongoing education and staying current with the latest research in gastrointestinal oncology.
• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Malpractice insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education allowance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Gastrointestinal Oncologist
• Work Environment: Hospital or medical clinic. Some travel may be required for conferences and continuing education.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Oncology.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $220,000 minimum to $450,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Gastrointestinal Oncologist Do?

A Gastrointestinal Oncologist is a specialized medical professional that deals with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

This includes cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

They diagnose and treat patients who are suffering from gastrointestinal cancers.

This involves conducting a variety of diagnostic tests such as endoscopies, biopsies, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds to accurately identify the type and stage of the cancer.

Once a diagnosis has been made, they develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

This can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Gastrointestinal Oncologists work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nutritionists to ensure the best possible care for their patients.

They also provide palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced-stage gastrointestinal cancers.

This can include managing pain and other physical symptoms, as well as providing psychological and emotional support.

In addition to patient care, many Gastrointestinal Oncologists also engage in research to discover new treatment methods and improve existing ones.

They often present their findings at medical conferences and publish them in scientific journals.

 

Gastrointestinal Oncologist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Gastrointestinal Oncologist should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• An MD degree from an accredited medical school and board certification in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, or Gastroenterology.
• Specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and colon.
• Strong clinical judgment and ability to make decisions regarding patient care, including assessments, diagnostics, treatment protocols, and referrals.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain diagnoses, treatment options, potential side effects, and prognosis to patients and their families.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to provide emotional support to patients and their families facing serious diagnoses.
• Research skills to stay updated on the latest advancements in gastrointestinal oncology and incorporate these into patient treatment plans.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses.
• Detail-oriented and organized, particularly in maintaining accurate and timely patient records.
• Willingness to engage in continuing education to stay current in the evolving field of oncology.

 

Gastrointestinal Oncologist Experience Requirements

Gastrointestinal Oncologists typically start their career journey with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Biology or Chemistry, followed by a four-year medical degree.

After completing their medical degree, aspiring Gastrointestinal Oncologists need to complete a residency in Internal Medicine, which generally lasts three years.

During this residency, they gain extensive practical experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions.

Post-residency, they undertake a fellowship in Gastroenterology, which usually lasts two to three years.

This fellowship provides in-depth experience in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal diseases.

After the Gastroenterology fellowship, an additional fellowship in Oncology is required.

This fellowship, typically lasting two years, provides specialized experience in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal cancers.

Following these extensive training and experience requirements, Gastrointestinal Oncologists are expected to have a vast amount of clinical experience, ideally within a hospital setting, before they can independently practice in this highly specialized field.

Those with more than 5 years of experience post-fellowship may have developed leadership skills and could be ready for a lead or managerial position within a medical team.

It is also not uncommon for experienced Gastrointestinal Oncologists to be involved in research, contributing to advancements in the field.

 

Gastrointestinal Oncologist Education and Training Requirements

A Gastrointestinal Oncologist typically begins their education with a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry.

Following this, they are required to complete a four-year medical degree from an accredited medical school.

After obtaining a medical degree, the individual must complete a residency program in internal medicine, which usually takes three years.

This is followed by a fellowship in medical oncology, typically lasting for two to three years.

Some choose to further specialize with a fellowship in gastrointestinal oncology, which can take an additional one to two years.

Gastrointestinal Oncologists must also be licensed to practice medicine.

This involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Board certification, though not a requirement, is highly regarded in the field.

This involves certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and subsequently from the ABIM’s subspecialty board in medical oncology.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to advances in cancer treatments and therapies.

Many Oncologists participate in professional development and additional training throughout their careers.

 

Gastrointestinal Oncologist Salary Expectations

A Gastrointestinal Oncologist earns an average salary of $341,000 (USD) per year.

The salary can significantly fluctuate based on factors such as experience, specialization, location, and the reputation of the healthcare facility.

 

Gastrointestinal Oncologist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Gastrointestinal Oncologist need?

Gastrointestinal Oncologists must complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and successfully complete a residency in internal medicine, which usually takes about 3 years.

This is followed by a fellowship in medical oncology, with a specific focus on gastrointestinal cancers.

They are also required to obtain a state medical license and become board-certified in medical oncology.

 

What are the daily duties of a Gastrointestinal Oncologist?

A Gastrointestinal Oncologist typically spends their day consulting with patients, reviewing medical histories, and performing medical examinations.

They diagnose gastrointestinal cancers, plan and manage patient treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

They also coordinate with other healthcare providers, including surgeons and radiologists, to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

 

What qualities make a good Gastrointestinal Oncologist?

A good Gastrointestinal Oncologist demonstrates strong empathy and communication skills to interact with patients and their families sensitively.

They also possess a keen attention to detail to accurately diagnose and manage complex conditions.

These professionals must have strong problem-solving skills to develop effective treatment plans and adapt as the patient’s condition changes.

 

How challenging is it to recruit a Gastrointestinal Oncologist?

Recruiting a Gastrointestinal Oncologist can be challenging due to the high level of education and specialty training required for the role.

The demand for these specialists is high as they play a crucial role in treating patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

Therefore, recruiters must offer competitive compensation packages and supportive work environments to attract qualified candidates.

 

What should be included in a Gastrointestinal Oncologist’s resume?

A Gastrointestinal Oncologist’s resume should highlight their education, including medical school, residency, and fellowship details.

It should also list their board certification in medical oncology.

Their work experience in the field, including patient care and treatments performed, should be highlighted.

Moreover, any specific research or publications related to gastrointestinal oncology would strengthen their profile.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shone the spotlight on the life of a gastrointestinal oncologist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about diagnosing and treating cancer.

It’s about shaping the landscape of medical oncology, one patient at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive gastrointestinal oncologist job description template and actual job scenarios, you’re ready to jump-start your career.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient treated is a part of a bigger mission.

Let’s conquer cancer. Together.

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