Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the field of pediatric healthcare, the demand for Pediatric Surgical Oncologists has never been more critical.

As medical technology advances, so too does the need for skilled professionals who can diagnose, operate and care for our youngest cancer patients.

But what does the role of a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the complex dynamics of pediatric surgical oncology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Surgical Oncologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Surgical Oncologists are highly specialized doctors who diagnose and treat children with various types of cancers using surgical techniques.

They play a crucial role in managing the care of their young patients and frequently collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and diagnosing pediatric patients with suspected malignancies
• Discussing the diagnosis and treatment options with patients and their families
• Developing and implementing treatment plans, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these
• Performing surgical procedures to remove tumors and cancerous tissues
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers, such as radiologists and pathologists, to confirm diagnoses and plan treatments
• Monitoring patients during post-surgical recovery and throughout their cancer treatment
• Documenting patients’ medical histories, treatment plans, and progress notes
• Participating in research studies to find more effective treatment methods for pediatric cancers
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric oncology and surgical techniques
• Providing compassionate care and emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times

 

Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Pediatric Surgical Oncologist to join our healthcare team.

The Pediatric Surgical Oncologist is responsible for diagnosing and treating various forms of cancer in children and adolescents, as well as managing their patients’ health throughout the entire treatment process.

In this role, you will be providing expert surgical care and treatment to patients with solid tumors, and working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient care.

Excellent patient management skills, along with a deep understanding of oncology and pediatrics, are crucial for this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and treat various forms of cancer in children and adolescents
• Perform surgical procedures to remove tumors and manage related symptoms
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to formulate personalized treatment plans
• Provide supportive care and symptom management for pediatric patients
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families regarding treatment options and prognosis
• Participate in research and clinical trials to advance the understanding and treatment of pediatric cancers
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in pediatric oncology

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree from an accredited institution
• Board certification in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
• Completed fellowship in Pediatric Surgical Oncology
• Proven experience working as a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist
• Strong understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer in children
• Exceptional surgical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and sensitive to the needs of children and their families

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Surgical Oncologist
• Work Environment: Hospital and clinic setting. On-call hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Oncology Department.
• 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 Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Do?

A Pediatric Surgical Oncologist is a specialized medical professional who diagnoses and provides surgical treatment for cancers and other tumors in children.

They work closely with a team of pediatric oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for their young patients.

Their primary responsibility is to surgically remove tumors and cancerous tissues, while minimizing the risk to their young patients and ensuring the best possible quality of life.

They may also perform biopsies to diagnose the type and stage of cancer, and may be involved in the placement of ports and catheters for delivery of chemotherapy or other treatments.

Pediatric Surgical Oncologists often take part in follow-up care, monitoring patients’ recovery, and helping manage any surgical complications or side effects from other treatments.

They also provide emotional support and guidance to the families of their patients, assisting them in understanding the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

In addition to their clinical work, many Pediatric Surgical Oncologists engage in research to find more effective and less invasive treatments for pediatric cancers.

They may also educate medical students and residents in the field of pediatric oncology surgery.

 

Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Surgical Oncologist needs a combination of technical medical skills, interpersonal skills, and deep knowledge in pediatric oncology to effectively diagnose and treat young patients with cancer.

These include:

• Profound knowledge of pediatric oncology, surgery, and general medicine to accurately diagnose and treat pediatric cancer patients.
• Strong surgical skills to perform complex surgical procedures on young patients, with an understanding of the specific physiological and anatomical differences in children.
• Excellent decision-making skills to make critical decisions regarding a patient’s treatment plan, including determining the necessity and timing of surgical interventions.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, their families, and the rest of the medical team. This includes explaining complex medical conditions and treatment plans in a way that children and their parents can understand.
• Empathy and patience to work with young patients who are dealing with serious illnesses and to provide support to their families.
• Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including other oncologists, radiologists, nurses, and social workers, in order to provide comprehensive care for patients.
• Research skills to stay updated on the latest advancements in pediatric oncology and to potentially contribute to the field through conducting or participating in research studies.
• Physical stamina to perform long surgeries and to manage the demands of a busy and emotionally challenging medical specialty.

 

Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Experience Requirements

To become a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist, individuals must first earn a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field, before attending medical school to acquire a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

This process typically takes around 8 years of education.

Following graduation from medical school, aspiring Pediatric Surgical Oncologists must then undertake a surgical residency, typically lasting five to seven years.

This residency offers comprehensive training and hands-on experience in various surgical procedures.

After completing a general surgical residency, the next step is to complete a fellowship in pediatric surgical oncology.

This fellowship is generally 2-3 years and provides specialized training in pediatric cancer surgery.

The overall experience required to become a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist is extensive, often totaling over 15 years of education and training.

It is also essential for these professionals to have excellent experience in patient care, working with children, and working in a team-oriented environment.

Once a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist has established their career, they may be required to have several years of practical experience in the field before they are considered for leadership or more senior roles within a medical institution.

Furthermore, it is also important to keep up-to-date with the latest medical research and advancements in the field, which often requires continuous learning and sometimes additional training.

Finally, maintaining a valid medical license, board certification in surgical oncology, and fulfilling any state-specific requirements are also crucial for a career as a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist.

 

Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist requires an extensive education and training pathway.

To start, individuals need to obtain a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry.

This is followed by a four-year medical school program leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.

After medical school, the individual must complete a residency program in general surgery which typically takes five to seven years.

This is where they gain hands-on experience in various surgical procedures and patient care.

Following the general surgery residency, individuals then specialize further by completing a fellowship in pediatric surgery which generally lasts two to three years.

During this time, they receive training specifically in surgical care for children.

Finally, an additional fellowship in pediatric surgical oncology is required.

This can take one to two years and focuses on the surgical treatment of cancers in children.

To practice medicine, all Pediatric Surgical Oncologists must be licensed, which requires passing a state licensing examination.

Also, while not always required, many Pediatric Surgical Oncologists choose to become board certified in their specialty.

This certification, provided by the American Board of Surgery, demonstrates a high level of competence in this field and may enhance employment opportunities.

Continuing education is necessary to keep up with advancements in the field, and may also be required to maintain licensure and certification.

 

Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Surgical Oncologist earns an average salary of $412,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending upon the level of experience, skills, geographical location, and the healthcare institution.

Additional benefits may also be provided.

 

Pediatric Surgical Oncologist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required to become a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist?

Becoming a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist requires a significant amount of formal education.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, an aspiring Pediatric Surgical Oncologist must complete medical school, followed by a residency in surgery and a fellowship in pediatric surgical oncology.

Board certification in both general surgery and pediatric surgery is also required.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist?

A Pediatric Surgical Oncologist typically spends their day consulting with patients and their families, diagnosing cancers, and developing treatment plans, which often include surgery.

They also conduct follow-ups with patients to monitor their progress, liaise with other healthcare professionals such as pediatricians and radiologists, and keep up-to-date with the latest research in pediatric oncology.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Surgical Oncologist?

A successful Pediatric Surgical Oncologist is not only highly skilled in surgical procedures but also possesses excellent communication skills to effectively interact with young patients and their families.

They need to be empathetic, compassionate, and patient, as treating children with cancer can be emotionally challenging.

In addition, they should have a strong attention to detail, decision-making ability, and excellent problem-solving skills.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist?

Yes, hiring a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist can be quite challenging due to the specialized skills and extensive training required for the role.

The pool of candidates is relatively small, and competition for these skilled professionals can be high.

Therefore, it’s crucial to offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist’s resume?

A Pediatric Surgical Oncologist’s resume should clearly detail their medical education, surgical residency, and fellowship in pediatric oncology.

Board certification in both general surgery and pediatric surgery should also be evident.

Additionally, look for any research or publications in pediatric oncology, which demonstrate a commitment to advancing the field.

Lastly, any notable work experience and references can attest to their skills and suitability for the role.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the realities of being a pediatric surgical oncologist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about shaping the future of pediatric oncology, one operation at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric surgical oncologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully prepared to embark on this journey.

But why halt your momentum?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to impeccably crafted job listings or meticulously refining your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every surgical procedure is a piece of the wider puzzle.

Let’s shape the future of pediatric oncology. Together.

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