Tips for helping you find a top-notch oncologist

No one wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.”  The initial shock and disbelief are plenty for anyone to have to handle but an important first step is finding and selecting an oncologist.  Whoever that person may be, they will most likely be the doctor taking the lead in organizing your cancer treatment. 

 What is an oncologist?

Oncologists are medical doctors specializing in treating cancer.  They will be the one overseeing a patient’s care from the time of the cancer diagnosis and throughout the course of the disease.  They have many roles in being a participant in a cancer patient’s journey back to health:

·      They are the one who will explain the cancer diagnosis and what stage it is in

·      They will discuss all relevant treatment options and what they recommend for each individual

·      They help each patient manage the cancer-related pain and other symptoms or treatment side effects.   

How to find the right oncologist

·      Get referrals

A referral for an oncologist can come from many sources.  One of the best sources to start with is your primary care doctor.  Also referrals from other health care professionals, even family or friends can be reliable sources for finding a good fit.   

·      Research their credentials

One of the most important factors you should look for in choosing an oncologist is if they are board certified.  Board certification is a voluntary process. Any doctor who is board certified has gone above and beyond of what is normally expected and has passed periodic exams to test their knowledge in their field of specialty.  An oncologist who meets these criteria means they have the necessary training, skills, and experience to provide services for oncology.  Doctors who are board certified is an assurance to you as a patient that they are staying current the field and are being reviewed by peers. 

·      Inquire about their experience

When it comes to cancer, experience matters.  The more experience your doctor has in treating cancer the more likely you will have better results.  You can start by asking them how many patients they have treated, especially for your type of cancer.  If you need a specific procedure, ask how many times they have performed it and what rate of complications they have had with it.   

·      Be comfortable with your oncologist gender

The gender of your oncologist may not make a difference for some, but it is important to feel comfortable with them.  There will be times you will need to openly discuss personal information.  Is it important to you to have an oncologist who is your same gender?  Some hospitals do have treatment centers that focus on gender-specific care.  If they do, ask the oncologist about their training and experience related to your cancer and your gender.

·      Research the hospital where your oncologist practices

Whichever oncologist you decide upon, the hospital they practice at will become your hospital.  This makes it imperative to research the quality of care at the hospital.  Quality matters since patients at top-rated hospitals are rated high because they have fewer complications and better survival rates.  Location of the hospital is another consideration.  If you will need frequent appointments, treatments, or tests, having a hospital conveniently located will be important.  If you have to spend a lot of time and money just in getting you to the hospital’s location, this will be more discouraging than helpful. 

·      What is the oncologist communication style? 

Another important factor is your oncologist’s manner of treating you and communicating information with you. Do they encourage questions and take the time to answer them thoroughly making it easy for you to understand what they just said?  Do they show an interest in getting to know you and will they consider your treatment preferences and respect decisions you will make? 

·      What are other patients saying about them? 

Do search online of your doctor and there is bound to be reviews of what other patients have thought of them.  This can provide insight into how a doctor practices medicine and how well his medical practice is managed.  These surveys often include patient satisfaction on their experience with scheduling appointments, wait times, office environment, and office staff friendliness.