Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the challenging field of medical oncology, the role of Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons is more critical than ever.

As medical advancements continue, there is a growing demand for skilled surgeons who can diagnose, treat, and manage patients with head and neck cancers.

But what does the role of a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon really involve?

Whether you are:

• A medical professional considering a career in oncologic surgery,
• A healthcare recruiter seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in understanding the complexities of this speciality,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon job description template, designed for easy posting on medical job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons are specialized surgeons who focus on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of cancers of the head and neck, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, thyroid, salivary glands, and skin of the face and neck.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team to provide the best possible care for patients.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients with head and neck diseases or conditions, with a focus on malignant tumors
• Performing surgeries to remove tumors, such as neck dissections, thyroidectomies, or laryngectomies
• Working closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other medical professionals to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans
• Providing follow-up care, including monitoring patients’ progress and managing any post-operative complications
• Discussing the diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis with patients and their families in a compassionate and understanding manner
• Participating in tumor boards and multidisciplinary case conferences
• Performing research to stay up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques and treatments in head and neck oncology
• Maintaining accurate and detailed medical records to track patients’ health and treatment progress

 

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon to join our team.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment and surgical procedures related to cancers of the head and neck.

They will have a deep understanding of oncology, and a commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose and treat patients with cancers of the head and neck
• Perform surgical procedures to remove tumors and other cancerous tissues
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and radiation therapists to develop effective treatment plans
• Conduct research to further understanding of head and neck cancers and improve surgical techniques
• Provide compassionate care and education to patients and their families regarding diagnosis, treatment and recovery
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in head and neck oncology surgery
• Maintain accurate patient records and ensure all treatments align with medical regulations and standards

 

Qualifications

• Medical Degree and completion of a surgical residency program
• Fellowship in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery
• Board certified in Otolaryngology
• Proven experience as a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon
• Excellent surgical skills and knowledge of head and neck oncology
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Ability to handle high stress situations and make decisions under pressure

 

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Malpractice insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or medical center setting. On-call hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Oncology Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $400,000 minimum to $600,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Do?

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons are specialized surgeons who diagnose, treat, and manage cancers of the head and neck.

These can include cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, nasal cavity, salivary glands, skin, and thyroid gland.

Their work often involves performing complex surgical procedures to remove tumors and affected tissues.

They may also perform reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance following tumor removal.

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons work closely with a team of other healthcare professionals, such as radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists, to devise the best course of treatment for each individual patient.

They may also be involved in follow-up care after surgery, including monitoring for recurrence of cancer, managing side effects, and coordinating with other healthcare providers for ongoing care.

These surgeons also play a significant role in research, exploring new treatment methods and participating in clinical trials.

Their work is very technical and requires extensive knowledge of head and neck anatomy, cancer biology, and surgical techniques.

In addition to their clinical duties, they provide education and support to patients and their families, explaining the diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks and outcomes, and the post-operative recovery process.

Continuing education is a crucial part of their job to stay updated with the latest advances in cancer care and surgical techniques.

They often participate in medical conferences, workshops, and other professional development activities.

 

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon must have a combination of technical skills, medical knowledge, interpersonal abilities, and emotional resilience.

These qualifications are necessary to perform highly complex surgeries, offer excellent patient care, and continue advancing in this challenging field:

• Board certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery or similar specialty, demonstrating an advanced understanding of the head and neck anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
• Additional fellowship training in head and neck oncologic surgery, which highlights the surgeon’s expertise in treating cancers of the head and neck region.
• Technical proficiency in performing complex surgical procedures, such as microvascular reconstructive surgeries, transoral robotic surgeries, and other minimally invasive techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose conditions, plan and execute treatment strategies, and adapt to any complications or changes during surgery.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and rapport with patients, explain complex medical information clearly, and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Compassion and emotional resilience to support patients through the challenges of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to stay updated on the latest research, technologies, and best practices in head and neck oncology.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and make critical decisions quickly and accurately.
• Good physical stamina and hand-eye coordination to perform prolonged and intricate surgical procedures.

 

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Experience Requirements

To qualify for the role of a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon, candidates must first complete a degree in medicine from an accredited medical school.

This typically includes 4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.

The next crucial requirement is fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, which generally takes an additional 1 to 2 years.

This specialized training imparts the skills needed to treat cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, nasal cavity, salivary glands, skin, and thyroid and parathyroid glands.

It is also expected that the candidates have a substantial amount of hands-on surgical experience, which can be obtained through years of residency and fellowship.

Some hospitals or healthcare institutions may require the surgeon to have at least 5 to 10 years of surgical experience.

Furthermore, they must be licensed to practice medicine in the state they are working in and should ideally be board certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Surgeons with more than 10 years of experience often possess additional skills and competencies, such as expertise in research or teaching, and may be ready for a leadership role in an academic or clinical setting.

Continued medical education and staying updated with latest advancements in the field is also crucial, and can add to the experience and proficiency of the surgeon.

 

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons typically begin their education path with a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, although this is not strictly mandatory for admission to medical school.

Prospective surgeons then proceed to a four-year medical school program to achieve a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

This is followed by a residency in general surgery, which typically lasts five years and includes training in critical care, trauma surgery, and patient management.

After completing the general surgery residency, a fellowship in head and neck oncologic surgery, which typically lasts one to two years, is required.

This highly specialized training program provides surgeons with in-depth knowledge and surgical skills related to tumors of the head and neck.

To practice medicine, all surgeons must be licensed in the state where they intend to work.

They also need to be certified by the American Board of Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.

This requires passing a comprehensive exam.

Many surgeons also choose to become certified in their specialty area.

The American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery provides certification specifically for surgeons who specialize in this area.

Continuing education is critical in this field to stay updated on the latest medical research, surgical techniques, and advancements in cancer treatment.

Many surgeons also engage in research themselves and contribute to medical journals and conferences.

 

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon can expect to earn an average salary of $412,000 (USD) per year.

This salary may vary based on factors such as the surgeon’s level of expertise, years of experience, place of employment, and geographical location.

 

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon need?

A Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon should have excellent surgical skills, a deep understanding of cancer biology, and be proficient in the use of advanced surgical techniques and technologies.

They should have strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Excellent communication skills are also essential, as they frequently interact with patients, their families, and a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

 

What type of education does a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon require?

To become a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon, one must complete a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Medical Degree from an accredited medical school.

After that, they need to complete a surgical residency, followed by a specialized fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology.

They must also be board-certified in their specialty.

 

What should you look for in a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon’s resume?

A Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon’s resume should highlight their education, surgical residency, and fellowship in head and neck surgical oncology.

It should also detail their experience in performing complex surgeries and their proficiency in using advanced surgical techniques and technologies.

Additional qualifications, such as research or teaching experience, publications, and professional memberships, can be an asset.

 

What qualities make a good Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon?

A good Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon should have exceptional hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, as surgeries in the head and neck area are often intricate and complex.

They should be compassionate and empathetic, as they deal with cancer patients who are often in stressful situations.

Excellent communication skills are also vital, as they need to explain complex medical conditions and treatment options to patients and their families.

 

What is the career outlook for a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon?

The demand for Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons is expected to increase due to the aging population and the prevalence of head and neck cancers.

However, it’s a highly specialized field, so the number of positions may be limited compared to other medical specialties.

Candidates with extensive experience and specializations may have better job prospects.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what being a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon truly entails.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about sculpting the future of oncology, one surgical procedure at a time.

With our comprehensive Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to take the next step.

But why not go further?

Immerse yourself more with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Each surgical procedure contributes to the broader scope of cancer treatment.

Let’s shape the future of oncology. Together.

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