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Surgeon vs oncologist

The differences between surgeons and oncologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an oncologist has an average salary of $298,009, which is higher than the $155,553 average annual salary of a surgeon.

The top three skills for a surgeon include patients, general surgery and healthcare. The most important skills for an oncologist are patients, oncology, and patient care.

Surgeon vs oncologist overview

SurgeonOncologist
Yearly salary$155,553$298,009
Hourly rate$74.79$143.27
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs37,9183,801
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age4948
Years of experience6-

What does a surgeon do?

A surgeon is a medical professional who conducts surgical procedures on the human body to treat injuries and diseases such as broken bones and cancerous tumors. Surgeons are required to review test results to identify abnormal findings and recommend a plan of treatment to patients. They must manage surgical technicians during the surgery process to ensure all standards of care and safety are followed in the operating room. Surgeons must also address concerns that the patients have about their health and well-being.

What does an oncologist do?

Oncologists are doctors that are specialized in treating cancer and give medical care for a person diagnosed with the illness. They direct a patient's care during the progression of the disease, which begins with the diagnosis. Their roles include describing the cancer diagnosis and stage as well as discussing the treatment options and his/her or her desired alternative. Also, they provide compassionate and quality care. Additionally, they assist the patient control the symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer medication.

Surgeon vs oncologist salary

Surgeons and oncologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

SurgeonOncologist
Average salary$155,553$298,009
Salary rangeBetween $85,000 And $284,000Between $132,000 And $672,000
Highest paying CityLewiston, MEFargo, ND
Highest paying stateMaineAlaska
Best paying companyMaineGeneral HealthBillings Clinic
Best paying industryProfessionalHealth Care

Differences between surgeon and oncologist education

There are a few differences between a surgeon and an oncologist in terms of educational background:

SurgeonOncologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorMedicineNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Virginia

Surgeon vs oncologist demographics

Here are the differences between surgeons' and oncologists' demographics:

SurgeonOncologist
Average age4948
Gender ratioMale, 51.2% Female, 48.8%Male, 42.4% Female, 57.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 18.7% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage12%13%

Differences between surgeon and oncologist duties and responsibilities

Surgeon example responsibilities.

  • Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.
  • Assist senior staff in dental treatment of several complex procedures including dental treatment of medically compromise patients.
  • Coordinate with patients and medical staff at civilian and military treatment facilities to schedule medical appointments and retrieve medical documentation.
  • Observe fracture plating, skin grafting, wind cleaning, amputation, and other Orthopaedic surgeries.

Oncologist example responsibilities.

  • Develop skills in managing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.
  • Scan all patient data in to EMR
  • Operate EKG and other equipment to administer diagnostic tests.
  • Treat many skin, lung, breast and prostate cancers as well.
  • Operate electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Prepare chemotherapy medications in the infusion center.
  • Show more

Surgeon vs oncologist skills

Common surgeon skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • General Surgery, 12%
  • Healthcare, 12%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Mohs, 5%
  • Private Practice, 4%
Common oncologist skills
  • Patients, 32%
  • Oncology, 29%
  • Patient Care, 11%
  • Hematology Oncology, 10%
  • Surgery, 5%
  • Chemotherapy, 3%

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