Neuro-Oncology

[Amade]

Hello, I was wondering about the state of Neuro-oncology? What type of treatments does a neuro-oncologist learn during this fellowship (chemo, radiation...)? Also, what is the lifestyle of a neuro-oncologist? Little has been discussed about this fellowship.

Please help a hopeful neurologist 🙂

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[Amade]

Anybody at all?

 

[Amade]

please....

 

[Nerdoscience]

Neuro onc is the medical oncology subspecialty of neurology. The main treatment option that they are trained in is chemo, but they work closely with neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists, as well as other specialists.

 

[Bonobo]

As mentioned above, the neuro-oncologist is trained in the diagnosis and chemotherapeutic management of brain tumors. Neuro-oncologists are in great demand currently. Many universities are looking for a neuro-oncologist to join a neurosurgeon and a neuro-radiation oncologist to form a formidable team against brain tumors. Chemotherapy is just starting to become important for GBM's, and I believe that the neuro-oncologist will soon take place along side pulmonary oncologists in terms of scope of practice. Research opportunities abound. Salary for now will be academic and require support from research grants, especially as reimbursement for chemo continues to fall.

B

 

[Amade]

Does anyone know how long the fellowship is?

 

[Head]

I'm not entirely sure how long the fellowship is, but I would guess 2 yrs. You're probably not getting a lot of feedback because neuro-onc is one of the smaller subspecialties of neurology.

As the above poster stated, this subspecialty is in high demand right now. Many academic institutions are lucky to have just one neuro-oncologist. I have been told many times that it is different from the other neuro specialties in that you often become your patient's primary care doctor for all intents and purposes. Treating brain tumors is usually a fairly long process that is quite overwhelming to the patient. With the other neuro subspecialties you act more as a consultant.

Neuro-oncologists direct chemo regimens for their patients and typically have a favorite neuro radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon, and neuropathologist to assist with other aspects of the case. I think it is a very exciting field that obviously has a great deal of room to improve with advances in chemotherapy and rehabilitation. The three neuro-oncologists I have worked with all took a great deal of satisfaction from their jobs.