Oncology as My Career

Grace | future oncologist

My career goal is to become an oncologist because I want to help people with cancer. According to cancer.org, cancer causes 1600 deaths each day in the United States. With over 1,600,000 new cancer cases expected next year, it is a highly-needed career field. Early detection and treatment is valuable in fighting this terrible disease. I feel I can help people battle cancer by promoting regular healthcare checkups and aggressively treating the signs of cancer.

I did not know about cancer until my Grandfather had it. He had prostate cancer when I was ten years old and then developed colon cancer a few years ago. My family was extremely worried about him and I guess that made a lasting impression for me. This was the first time I knew I wanted to become a doctor and help people who were ill like my Grandfather. I watched the doctors and nurses in the hospital and began to gain more interest. I talked to my sister too. She is a nurse practitioner and tells me to study hard now and learn as much math and science as I can. I am currently in five pre-advanced placement classes and making good grades. I plan to take advanced placement courses in Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology. My sister says this will give me a better foundation and prepare more for the many courses I must take when I get to college.

It will take at least eight years of college plus a hospital residency to become a doctor. I am not sure which college I would like to attend, as there are several excellent medical schools in Texas. I know it will take a lot of dedication and hard work to become an oncologist. I am very determined to achieve my goal.