Hello everyone, I was browsing the web looking for something else and came across this form. I think this is an amazing way for people to share information, experiences, and support.
I did, however, want to correct a few inaccuracies that were conveyed in regards to surgical oncology. Fair disclosure, I am a general surgery chief resident at a large academic center with an interest in oncology. Currently debating between specializing in surgical oncology vs transplant.
Surgical Oncology is an ACGME certified fellowship much like colorectal surgery. The difference is that it is a dedicated 2 years of additional training vs the 1 year for colorectal. As you suggested, training is not limited by organ system, rather, it is focused on the disease process. What makes surgical oncology different and unique is the multidisciplinary approach they take to patient care. Oncology patients require not just a surgical oncologist, but medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology specialists to come together. Surgical oncology is one of the most competitive fellowships a surgeon can choose, second only to pediatric surgery. While surgicial oncologist are trained in the surgical treatment of a variety of malignancies (e.g breast, melanoma, liver, pancreas, colon... etc) most elect to tailor their practice to a few.
So while you can certainly have a colorectal surgeon perform your colon surgery and a transplant surgeon perform you liver surgery, a surgical oncologist can do both.
Hope that helps.
Cheers