Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the field of pediatric healthcare, the role of a pediatric oncology surgeon is critically important.
As medical advancements continue to unfold, the demand for skilled surgeons specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers is increasingly paramount.
But what’s really expected from a pediatric oncology surgeon?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring physician trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A healthcare institution looking for the perfect fit for your team,
- Or simply intrigued by the challenging and rewarding world of pediatric oncology surgery,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable pediatric oncology surgeon job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or medical career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities
Pediatric Oncology Surgeons are specialized surgeons who diagnose, treat, and manage cancer in children.
They perform surgeries on patients with solid tumors and cancers and work with a team of other professionals to provide comprehensive care to the patients.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Evaluating and diagnosing cancer in children and formulating treatment plans
- Performing surgical procedures to remove tumors or cancerous tissues
- Consulting with other healthcare professionals such as pediatricians, radiologists, and anesthesiologists to coordinate patient care
- Explaining the diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis to the patients and their families
- Assessing and monitoring the patient’s condition pre- and post-surgery
- Working with the healthcare team to manage pain, side effects, and other complications related to the disease or treatment
- Conducting research to improve surgical techniques and outcomes in pediatric oncology
- Participating in clinical trials, often working with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists
- Providing emotional support to the patients and their families
- Continuing education to stay up-to-date with advancements in pediatric oncology surgery
- Maintaining records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss with the supervisory physicians.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Pediatric Oncology Surgeon to join our team.
The successful candidate will provide surgical care to children suffering from cancer, working as part of an interdisciplinary team to assess patient needs, develop treatment plans, and monitor patient progress.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon responsibilities include diagnosing and treating pediatric cancer patients, performing surgery, and providing post-operative care.
Our ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of pediatric oncology, and a commitment to improving the lives of children with cancer.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose and manage pediatric oncology patients
- Conduct surgical procedures on patients suffering from cancer
- Provide post-operative care and monitor patient recovery
- Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to develop and implement treatment plans
- Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric oncology
- Communicate effectively with patients and their families, providing support and education
- Ensure all healthcare regulations and safety standards are met
- Participate in research and present findings at relevant conferences
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine degree and completed residency in pediatric surgery
- Fellowship in pediatric oncology surgery
- Board Certified in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- Proven experience working in pediatric oncology
- Strong surgical skills and knowledge of cancer treatment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Compassionate and patient-focused
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Pediatric Oncology Surgeon
- Work Environment: Hospital or medical center. On-call requirements may be necessary.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Pediatric Oncology Department or Medical Director.
- Salary: Salary is commensurate with candidate’s experience and qualifications, and aligned with market trends.
- Pay Range: Typically ranges from $295,597 to $462,728, however, this is subject to variation.
- 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, and documentation of your medical licensure to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Do?
Pediatric Oncology Surgeons are specialized medical professionals who diagnose and treat cancers in children and adolescents.
Their primary task is to perform surgeries to remove tumors and cancerous tissues in children who have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer.
They work in conjunction with pediatric oncologists, radiologists, nurses, and other health care professionals to ensure comprehensive care for their young patients.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeons also participate in the staging of the cancer, which involves determining the extent and severity of the disease.
This information is vital in developing an effective treatment plan.
They are also involved in the postoperative care of the child, monitoring for potential complications and ensuring the success of the surgery.
Furthermore, they educate families about the disease and treatment options, and provide emotional support during this challenging time.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeons not only require surgical skills but also a thorough understanding of oncology, pediatrics, and the unique needs and challenges of treating cancer in children.
They often participate in research to improve treatment methods and outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Qualifications and Skills
A Pediatric Oncology Surgeon should have a range of technical and interpersonal skills to effectively treat cancer in children.
These include:
- Medical knowledge and competence in pediatric oncology and surgery to provide effective diagnosis and treatment to children with cancer.
- Excellent surgical skills and precision for performing complex surgical procedures to remove tumors and cancerous tissues.
- Good problem-solving skills and the ability to make rapid, life-saving decisions during critical moments.
- Strong communication and counseling skills to discuss treatment options with the child’s parents or guardians, and to provide emotional support during the treatment process.
- Empathy and patience to provide compassionate care to children, understanding their fears and helping them cope with their condition.
- Strong teamwork skills to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team of radiologists, oncologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive care for the child.
- Excellent physical stamina and resilience, as the role involves long hours, high stress situations, and dealing with critically ill patients.
- Continuing education to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric oncology and surgical techniques.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Experience Requirements
Pediatric Oncology Surgeons are expected to have a considerable amount of specialized training and experience.
They must first complete a medical degree, which typically requires four years of study at a medical school.
This is followed by a five-year general surgery residency.
After their general surgery residency, they must then complete a two-year pediatric surgery fellowship which provides specialized training in the surgical care of children.
During this fellowship, surgeons gain substantial hands-on experience in various pediatric surgical procedures.
Further specialization in pediatric oncology may require an additional one to two years of fellowship training in pediatric surgical oncology.
This additional training ensures that surgeons are well-equipped to handle the complex and delicate nature of pediatric oncologic surgery, making them highly experienced in the field.
Most hospitals and medical institutions will require a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon to have at least 7 to 10 years of medical training and surgical experience.
In addition, board certification in Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Surgical Oncology is often a requirement.
Those with more than 10 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a senior or managerial position.
Continued research and publication in the field of pediatric oncology surgery are also often required to advance in this highly specialized career.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Education and Training Requirements
Pediatric Oncology Surgeons are required to complete a Bachelor’s degree, typically in pre-med, biology, chemistry, or a related field, as the first step in their education.
Following this, they need to complete a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree in a recognized medical school, which usually takes four years.
The first two years consist of classroom and laboratory work, while the last two years involve clinical rotations in different areas of medicine.
After earning a medical degree, aspiring Pediatric Oncology Surgeons must then complete a five-year general surgery residency program.
This residency provides medical professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop surgical skills.
Post-residency, they must complete a Pediatric Surgery fellowship which typically lasts two years.
This fellowship focuses on operative care and management of surgical problems in children.
Upon completion of the Pediatric Surgery fellowship, an additional Pediatric Oncology fellowship of 1-2 years is required.
This fellowship focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer in children and adolescents.
Finally, Pediatric Oncology Surgeons must be board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both General Surgery and Pediatric Surgery.
Some surgeons also pursue a subspecialty certification in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
Continuing medical education (CME) is important to keep up with the latest developments in the field of pediatric oncology.
It is also required to maintain board certification.
In addition, soft skills such as compassion, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations are essential for this profession.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Salary Expectations
A Pediatric Oncology Surgeon can expect to earn an average salary of $412,000 (USD) per year.
This salary can be influenced by factors such as years of experience, level of specialization, and geographic location.
Pediatric Oncology Surgeon Job Description FAQs
What is the required education for a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon?
Pediatric Oncology Surgeons must first complete a Bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school.
After this, they must undergo a residency program in general surgery, which typically takes five to seven years.
Subspecialty training in pediatric surgery and pediatric oncology is also required, which can take an additional two to three years.
What skills does a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon need?
Besides technical surgical skills, Pediatric Oncology Surgeons need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they will be dealing with young patients and their families.
Empathy, patience, and the ability to explain complex medical conditions in a way that the child and family can understand are critical.
They also need to have good problem-solving skills and the ability to work well under stress.
What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon?
The daily duties of a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon include consulting with patients and their families, performing surgeries, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.
They also need to keep up-to-date with the latest research and treatment options for pediatric cancers, and may also be involved in clinical trials.
What qualities make a good Pediatric Oncology Surgeon?
A good Pediatric Oncology Surgeon is highly skilled, dedicated, and compassionate.
They should have excellent attention to detail and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
They should also be able to build trust with their young patients and their families, and be able to provide emotional support during difficult times.
What should you look for in a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon’s resume?
When reviewing a Pediatric Oncology Surgeon’s resume, the first thing to look for is their educational background and whether they have completed the necessary training and specialization.
Additionally, look for their experience in the field, particularly their hands-on experience with pediatric oncology surgery.
Other important factors to consider are their communication skills, their ability to work as part of a team, and any research or publications they have in the field of pediatric oncology.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we have illuminated the crucial role of a pediatric oncology surgeon.
Guess what?
It’s not just about performing surgeries.
It’s about weaving the fabric of a healthier future, one surgery at a time.
With our comprehensive pediatric oncology surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.
But why stop there?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every surgery is a stepping stone towards a healthier tomorrow.
Let’s create that future. Together.
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