Shortage of oncologists?

[REWahoo]

Hey Rich. Are you sure you should be thinking about retiring when so many of us may be needing your help?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17599898/site/newsweek/

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Hey Rich. Are you sure you should be thinking about retiring when so many of us may be needing your help?

Yes, I'm sure .

Actually, though I work in a huge cancer hospital that's infested with oncologists, I'm an internal medicine specialist and "hospitalist." I also oversee the "survivorship" clinic -- all without being in oncology. The article accurately points out that if oncologists focused on being oncologists only, it would help.

Interesting to me as well is the fact that when oncology patients get very acutely ill, it is often with complications and not the cancer itself. Diabetes goes crazy, they get infections, dehydration, chemical abnormalitiies, blood clots etc. etc. etc. The typical oncologist does not have the experience to deal with these conditions optimally. That's where we come in - works great for me since I live helping desperately ill and complex patients, but I really don't like pushing chemotherapy.

Alas, doubt I'll ever have trouble finding work.