Question 1

What does a Medical Oncology oncologist do?

Accepted Answer

A Medical Oncology oncologist is a Oncology physician with focused training in the systemic treatment of cancer with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. After completing Oncology residency, they pursue additional fellowship training so they can manage cases that fall outside what a general oncologist typically handles day to day.

Question 2

What conditions does a Medical Oncology oncologist treat?

Accepted Answer

A Medical Oncology oncologist commonly treats breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphomas, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer. Many also see closely related conditions within Oncology, particularly when a case is complex, atypical, or has not responded to first-line care from a general oncologist.

Question 3

When should I see a Medical Oncology oncologist?

Accepted Answer

Consider seeing a Medical Oncology oncologist when you have a new cancer diagnosis or your treatment plan involves systemic therapy, when a primary care clinician or general oncologist suggests a focused evaluation, or when you want a second opinion from a physician whose practice is concentrated on this exact area. Patients often reach a Medical Oncology oncologist through referral, but you can also seek one directly.

Question 4

How is a Medical Oncology oncologist different from a general oncologist?

Accepted Answer

Both are board-eligible oncologists, but a Medical Oncology oncologist has additional fellowship training and a practice that focuses on the systemic treatment of cancer with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. General oncologists treat a broad range of Oncology concerns; Medical Oncology oncologists concentrate on the harder or more specific cases within that range, and tend to see a higher volume of patients with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphomas, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.

Question 5

How does Convene match me with a top Medical Oncology oncologist?

Accepted Answer

Convene Health evaluates oncologists on peer recognition, clinical leadership, published research, institutional affiliations, and patient feedback. When you complete an intake, our care team reviews your history and matches you with a vetted Medical Oncology oncologist whose focus aligns with your case. Membership covers priority appointment coordination; the match itself is free.

Best Medical Oncology specialists in California

Joanne Mortimer, M.D.

John Park, MD

Ranjana Advani, MD

Heather Wakelee, MD

Adil Daud, MD

Sandhya Srinivas, MD

Thomas Martin, MD

Alexandra Drakaki, M.D

Margaret Tempero, MD

Melinda Telli, MD

Alan Venook, MD

Emily Bergsland, MD

Lloyd Damon, MD

Trever Bivona, M.D., PH.D.

Alexander Colevas, MD

David Agus, M.D.

Lawrence Kaplan, MD

Mark Agulnik, MD

Andrew Ko, MD

James Rubenstein, MD

Frequently Asked Questions