Oncology Specialist

Roles and responsibilities

The Specialist Surgical Oncologist is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with cancer through surgical intervention. This role involves working within a multidisciplinary team to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care while advancing oncology services through research, education, and training.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Duties:
• Perform specialized oncologic surgeries, including tumor resections, reconstructions, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans in collaboration with medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Provide preoperative and postoperative care to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Utilize advanced surgical technologies, including robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures, where applicable.
• Participate in tumor boards, case discussions, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Patient Care & Management:
• Assess and diagnose cancer-related conditions through clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging.
• Educate patients and families about disease processes, treatment options, and post-surgical care.
• Monitor patients for treatment response, complications, and recurrence, implementing necessary follow-up care.
• Ensure adherence to clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices in oncology surgery.
• Research & Education:
• Contribute to ongoing clinical research and trials to improve oncologic surgical outcomes.
• Mentor and train medical students, residents, and junior specialists in surgical oncology techniques.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and continuing medical education programs.
• Administrative & Leadership Responsibilities:
• Support hospital and departmental initiatives for quality improvement and patient safety.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records following department policies.
• Ensure compliance with national healthcare regulations and hospital accreditation standards.
• Advocate for policies that enhance cancer care services at institutional and national levels.

Education & Certification

• :Medical degree (MBBS, MD, or equivalent) from a recognized institution
• .Board certification in General Surgery and subspecialty training in Surgical Oncology
• .Valid medical license to practice in Abu Dhabi ( DOH
• )Minimum [4 to 5] years of experience in surgical oncology

Desired candidate profile

1. Advanced Surgical Techniques

• Tumor Resection: Performing complex surgeries to remove tumors from various organs, ensuring the complete removal of cancerous tissue while preserving the functionality of the affected organ.
• Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery: Proficiency in minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic (keyhole) and robotic surgeries, to reduce recovery time, minimize scarring, and lower the risk of complications.
• Microsurgery: Using specialized techniques and tools to perform delicate surgeries, often necessary for tumors located near critical structures like blood vessels or nerves.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: In some cancers (e.g., breast or melanoma), removing the sentinel lymph nodes to determine if cancer has spread. This helps guide further treatment decisions.

2. Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Treatment

• Collaborating with Oncologists: Surgical oncologists work closely with medical oncologists (chemotherapy specialists), radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive cancer care plan.
• Treatment Planning: Participating in tumor board meetings to discuss and plan the most appropriate treatment for patients based on the type and stage of cancer.
• Adjuvant Therapy Coordination: After surgery, surgical oncologists collaborate with other specialists to determine whether additional treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy are necessary.

3. Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

• Tumor Biopsy and Diagnostics: Conducting biopsies to obtain tissue samples for the definitive diagnosis of cancer. Surgical oncologists are also skilled in interpreting biopsy results in the context of the patient’s overall clinical picture.
• Staging and Prognosis: Assessing the extent (stage) of cancer using various imaging studies, such as CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and sometimes intraoperative assessment, to help determine the prognosis and plan surgery accordingly.

4. Management of Cancer Complications

• Dealing with Metastasis: Surgical oncologists manage cancers that have spread to other organs (metastasis) and may perform surgeries to remove metastatic tumors or improve the patient’s quality of life.
• Palliative Care: In cases where cancer is advanced and surgery is not curative, surgical oncologists may perform palliative procedures to relieve symptoms, such as obstruction, bleeding, or pain.
• Postoperative Care: Monitoring and managing complications post-surgery, including infection, bleeding, and wound healing, and ensuring effective pain control.

5. Patient-Centered Care and Counseling

• Explaining Treatment Options: Consulting with patients and their families about the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of surgery, as well as other treatment options available.
• Emotional Support: Providing support and guidance to patients and families who may be dealing with the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis. This includes offering information on the cancer journey, treatment expectations, and recovery timelines.
• Informed Consent: Ensuring that patients are fully informed about their surgery and any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.