2086X0206X Surgical Oncology Physician

Definition: A surgical oncologist is a well-qualified surgeon who has obtained additional training and experience in the multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients, and devotes a major portion of his or her professional practice to these activities and cancer research.
Grouping: Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
Classification: Surgery
Specialization: Surgical Oncology
Section: Individual
Notes: Source: Society of Surgical Oncology, 2007 [1/1/2008: definition added, source added, 7/1/2009: definition reformatted] Additional Resources: http://www.surgonc.org/ ; American Board of Medical Specialties, 2007, www.abms.org ; American Board of Surgery, 2007, http://www.absurgery.org/ Surgical oncology is a recognized fellowship subspecialty program of surgery. Separate board certification is not currently offered.

Related Taxonomies

Parent Classification

Surgery Physician

A healthcare provider who specializes in performing surgeries to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions, such as problems with the digestive tract, abdomen, skin, breast, soft tissues, and glands. Patients can expect this provider to handle surgical care before, during, and after the operation, including treatment for injuries, infections, tumors, and emergencies like appendicitis or hernias. They may also use minimally invasive techniques when possible for faster recovery.

Other Specializations

Hospice and Palliative Medicine

A medical professional who is a surgeon specializing in caring for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses. They focus on relieving pain and other symptoms, improving quality of life, and supporting patients and families through difficult decisions. Services include managing pain, addressing emotional and spiritual needs, helping with end-of-life care, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers. Patients can expect compassionate support and guidance during advanced illness and the dying process.

Pediatric Surgery

A medical professional who performs surgery on infants, children, and teenagers to treat a wide range of conditions. Pediatric surgery physicians manage problems such as birth defects, hernias, tumors, injuries, and issues with the digestive, urinary, or respiratory systems. Patients can expect expert care before, during, and after surgery, with a focus on the unique needs of growing children and support for families throughout the treatment process.

Physician Nutrition Specialist

A healthcare provider who specializes in assessing and managing nutrition-related health issues, especially for patients before and after surgery. They help diagnose and treat conditions like malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Patients can expect guidance on meal planning, support for special diets, help with feeding tubes or IV nutrition if needed, and advice to improve recovery and overall health through proper nutrition.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

A healthcare provider who performs surgeries to repair, restore, or improve the appearance and function of body parts. They help patients with injuries, birth defects, burns, or conditions affecting the skin, face, breasts, hands, or other areas. Services include cosmetic procedures, reconstruction after trauma or cancer, scar revision, and correcting deformities. Patients can expect care aimed at improving physical appearance, function, and quality of life.

Surgery of the Hand

A healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and performing surgery on conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and sometimes the forearm. They care for injuries such as fractures, tendon or nerve problems, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other disorders that impact hand function. Patients can expect expert evaluation, surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and guidance on recovery and rehabilitation to restore hand and wrist movement and strength.

Surgical Critical Care

A surgeon who cares for patients who are seriously ill or injured, especially after surgery or trauma. They manage patients with life-threatening conditions such as severe infections, organ failure, or complex injuries, often in an intensive care unit. Patients can expect close monitoring, advanced treatments, and coordination with other medical specialists to provide the highest level of support during critical illness or recovery from major surgery.

A healthcare provider who specializes in treating people with serious injuries, such as those from car accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds. Trauma surgery physicians perform emergency surgeries to stop bleeding, repair damaged organs, and stabilize patients. They care for patients with broken bones, internal injuries, and other life-threatening conditions, often working in hospital trauma centers to provide immediate and ongoing surgical care.

Vascular Surgery

A healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with blood vessels outside the brain and heart, such as arteries and veins. They perform surgeries and procedures to treat conditions like blocked arteries, varicose veins, aneurysms, and poor circulation. Patients may see this provider for evaluation, minimally invasive treatments, or complex surgeries to restore healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of serious complications.

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