Medical Oncologist

Medical Oncologists are specialist physicians who diagnose and treat different types of cancer using chemotherapy, specialist drugs, and biotherapies. They work in cancer clinics, hospitals, and outpatient cancer care centres, and may also provide advisory services to government agencies and academic institutions.

As a Medical Oncologist you could be ordering laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures for a new patient who has been referred by a GP, analysing test results and discussing the outcomes with a patient, explaining a cancer diagnosis to a patient, discussing treatment options with a patient and their partner, attending an international conference on cancer treatments, or just scheduling a short-vacation for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation.

This is a very demanding occupation and to succeed you will need to be highly organised and committed to lifelong learning and career development. You will also need excellent interpersonal skills and a natural sense of empathy and compassion.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $156,000
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a medical oncologist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Doctor of Medicine
On Campus
3 - 5 years
$0 - $407,808
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Anaesthetist General Practitioner Medical Practitioner
Obstetrician Surgeon Career Medical Officer (CMO) Gastroenterologist Neurologist Oncologist Gynaecologist Psychiatrist Paediatrician Cardiologist Radiologist Medical Oncologist Radiation Oncologist Anatomist Endocrinologist
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Related occupations

Oncologist

Oncologists specialise in diagnosing and treating cancer using techniques like chemotherapy and radiation while supporting patients through their journey.

Avg yearly income $260,000
Skill level Beginner

Radiation Oncologist

Radiation Oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapies, working in teams to develop personalised treatment plans for patients.

Avg yearly income $182,000
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much do Medical Oncologists earn?

Salaries for Medical Oncologists working in Australia start at $3,000 per week ($156,000 annually). Increase your earning capacity by obtaining specialist qualifications in gynaecology, paediatrics, obstetrics, or surgery.

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What are the job opportunities for Medical Oncologists?

There are currently 690 Medical Oncologists working in Australia. This is a growing occupation with excellent prospects for future employment and private practice.

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How do I become a Medical Oncologist?

To become a qualified Medical Oncologist you first need to become a qualified doctor by:

  1. Obtaining a suitable Bachelor’s degree (eg, health science, pharmacy, nursing, human movement, science).
  2. Passing the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
  3. Completing a Doctor of Medicine (MD).
  4. Working as an intern at a hospital for at least one year.
  5. Obtaining general medical registration through the Medical Board of Australia.
Once you are a registered physician you must then complete a six-year training fellowship with The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. This includes three years studying adult internal medicine and another three years studying advanced medical oncology.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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