Your Medical Oncologist

The medical oncologist is the cancer specialist physician in charge of chemotherapy as well as overall treatment planning. He should be well trained and be comfortable with handling cancer patients. He should be affiliated with a local hospital. Being board certified in Medical Oncology is a definite plus.

He has to take time with his patients and educate them about their illness and the treatments options. He has to explain the details of chemotherapy regimens, potential side effects and any long term ill effect that any medicine may have. He should be available to his patients at all time and be just a phone call away. Patients should feel comfortable with him and be able to discuss their problems. He should have a friendly staff and a pleasant office.

If your physician is other than this, you should look for another oncologist. If you are near a University Medical Center, call their Medical Oncology Department and ask for an appointment.