An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosis, assessment and treatment of cancer patients. The oncologists take care of the cancer patients throughout their treatment and aims for well being of the cancer patients.

The branches in oncology depend upon the type of treatment and the type of cancer. Depending on the type of treatment, the branches are medical, clinical and surgical oncology. Depending upon the type of cancer the oncologist is dealing with, the branches are categorized as gynaecologic, paediatric and haematologic oncology.

Both the clinical and medical oncologist work hand in hand for optimal treatment. A clinical oncologist treats the cancer patients by using mostly the radiation therapy; while a medical oncologist uses only chemotherapy or immunotherapy and aims at curing the cancer with medications.

After getting a basic medical doctor degree of MBBS, you must study oncology for three years. During the three years course, either to become DM, M.Ch or MD in oncology, you are trained in handling cancer medicines, radiation therapy, biopsy (surgical removal of small part or fluid from an affected area ), surgery and post surgical care of cancer patients.

If the condition of the person suffering from cancer requires surgical removal of a particular body part, then surgical oncologists can perform the necessary surgery. Post surgical care is also taken by the oncologist.