How to Become a Gynecologic Oncologist

A gynecologic oncologist is a specialized type of obstetrician/gynecologist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive organs, including the ovaries, uterus, Fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva. The care of patients with gynecologic tumors may involve both medical and surgical treatments. This article provides instruction on how you can become a gynecologic oncologist.

Things You'll Need

• College degree
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Medical school degree
• Completion of accredited residency training in obstetrics and gynecology
• Completion of an accredited fellowship in gynecologic oncology

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Instructions

The Steps to Becoming a Gynecologic Oncologist

• 1

  You must graduate from college, preferably with honors (cum laude). High honors (magna cum laude) or highest honors (summa cum laude) would enhance your chances of acceptance to medical school. Diversity in the choice of a major is encouraged but you must take and do well in science courses such as physics, organic chemistry and biologic sciences. Check the requirements of the specific medical schools you are interested in.

• 2

  You must sit for and do well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). It is a standardized, multiple-choice and writing skills examination. You will be tested on your ability to think and solve problems, your knowledge of science and your ability to write. Nearly all medical schools require you to submit the results of this examination as part of the application process.

• 3

  You must successfully complete medical school, which almost always involves four years of study. In most medical schools, the first two years consist of courses in the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology and pharmacology. The third year is clinically based with required courses in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology and other disciplines. The fourth year is spent completing some required courses with the remaining time spent on electives as you decide what type of residency to take. In the fourth year you also apply to and interview for residency training.

• 4

  You must complete residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. There are 172 active training programs in obstetrics and gynecology. Residency training in obstetrics and gynecology consists of four years during which time you will participate in all facets of obstetrics and gynecology. Teaching is accomplished by lectures, direct patient care and hands-on experience in labor and delivery and surgery.

• 5

  You must complete a fellowship in gynecologic oncology, which lasts for three years. The emphasis of the fellowship is on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the female reproductive organs. There are only 36 active gynecologic oncology fellowship training programs with only 44 first year positions available every year in the United States. Admission to these programs is highly competitive. In 2009, every position was filled with 37 going to graduates of U.S. medical schools.