How to Become A Radiation Oncologist In South Africa

A radiation oncologist is a specialist doctor who uses radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer patients. Radiation oncologists work in teams with other doctors to create and deliver radiation therapy programs.

Are radiation oncologist doctors?

Radiation oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in using radiation therapy to treat people who have cancer. Most people are referred to a radiation oncologist by their primary doctors after a diagnosis of cancer.

Does radiation shorten your life?

Rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, are more affected by radiation therapy than normal cells. The body may respond to this damage with fibrosis or scarring, though this is generally a mild process and typically does not cause any long-term problems that substantially affect quality of life.

What is the next step after radiation?

When your radiation therapy is complete, you will meet with your radiation oncologist for follow-up. Your next steps after that may include: Meeting with other care teams for additional treatment, if needed. Meeting with the cancer survivorship team for supportive care.

Radiation Oncologist Eligibility

1 Educational Qualification

To be eligible to join B. Sc in Applied Physics – a Bachelor degree in applied Sciences – or MBBS- a professional degree in Medicine and Surgery- one should be 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry as main subjects with 50% marks from some highly rated colleges providing this course.

Below are steps to Become A Radiation Oncologist In South Africa

Step 1

Students Interested in this field has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various state and Independent medical educational bodies to admit candidates in various teaching institutions attached with it according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam.

These exams are usually held in the month of May – June and consists of Objective type questions based on the subject of relevant subjects the results of these exams are generally out by June/July. However, some colleges also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class.

Step 2

After completing this 3 years B.Sc. Applied Physics course – in which one has to go through all the major aspects of the field of study- or 4 years MBBS course the aspirants has to join various PG Advanced Diplomas/Degree Course for specialization in the field Oncology.

Step 3

After getting the required basic qualification interested candidate to join the profession as Radiation Oncologist have to undergo post graduation in oncology i.e MD (Oncology) or MD (Radiotherapy) followed by DM (Medical Oncology) etc.

Radiation Oncologist Salary

Being associated with the treatment of such a deadly disease Radiation Oncologist get a reasonably good salary in government and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres etc.

The average starting salary of a Radiation Oncologist ranges between Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000 per month in big cancer hospitals and clinics. Those working in private hospitals or corporate sector as research scholars have much more income than those of government employees.

Those who are doing private practice are earning handsome returns depending upon their skill, knowledge, experience and popularity in the surrounding areas.

Some other professionals that work with a Radiation Oncologist as a team for the treatment of the cancer patients are:

Medical Radiation Physicist

Radiation Therapist

Dosimetrist

Radiation Oncology Nurse

Social Worker

Dietician

Names of some of the National and International bodies associated with this field of Oncology

Association for Radiation Oncology in India. 

Indian Society of Oncology. 

International Union against cancer 

Indian Association of Radiology and Imaging

Radiation Oncologist Career Prospects

A well-qualified Radiation oncologist can find a challenging career in public and private sector hospital- both as a doctor directly associated with the treatment of the cancer patients or as a researcher, diagnostic centres and blood donation centres.

These days with the growth in the private sector there are so many private cancer hospitals,  thus  the demand for Radiation Oncologist is on the up-swing  as radiation and chemotherapy are the only means of treatment  for cancer so far and Cancer in itself  is not one single disease  but there are more than 300 different kinds of cancer, and progress against one type of cancers does not necessarily mean progress against other, it is sure that there will still be plenty of opportunity in this field for young and efficient professionals interested to plunge in this area of medicine.

Where can I study radiation oncology in South Africa?

The Division of Clinical Oncology of the Stellenbosch University is one of the six existing, fully academic divisions/departments of Clinical Oncology in South Africa.

How long does it take to become a radiation oncologist In South Africa?

Training required is five years: one year of general clinical work, followed by four years of dedicated Radiation Oncology training.

What degree do you need to be a radiation oncologist In South Africa?

Oncologists must receive a bachelor’s degree, then complete four years of medical school to become a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO).

How long does it take to be an oncologist in South Africa?

It therefore takes at least 15 years to qualify as a Medical Oncologist in South Africa. The field of Medical Oncology involves the treatment of cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapies.

Is a radiation oncologist A doctor In South Africa?

Radiation oncologists are the doctors who will oversee your radiation therapy treatments. These physicians work with the other members of the radiation therapy team to develop and prescribe your treatment plan and make sure that each treatment is given accurately.

Which universities offer medicine in South Africa?

Best Global Universities for Clinical Medicine in South Africa

University of Cape Town.

University of Witwatersrand.

Stellenbosch University.

University of KwaZulu Natal.

North West University – South Africa.

University of Pretoria.

University of the Western Cape.

How many years does it take to become an oncologist In South Africa?

Medical oncologists graduate from a four-year medical or osteopathic school and complete a three-year residency, often specializing in internal medicine or pediatrics. After residency, future oncologists usually complete fellowships (3-5 years) in hematology-oncology.