How to Become a Hematology Oncologist

Dr. Ross Kopelman had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Shikha Jain, an Hematology Oncologist, about her journey to become an Hematology Oncologist. In this video, you will discover tips you need to become an Hematology Oncologist and prepare for residency.
Bio for Dr. Shikha Jain:
Shikha Jain, MD, FACP is a board-certified hematology and oncology physician on faculty at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. She is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy and the Physician Director of Media Relations for the Rush University Cancer Center. Dr. Jain's clinical focus is GI oncology and her research include precision oncology, immunotherapy, genomics, neuroendocrine tumors, and hepatocellular carcinoma. She has several papers published in peer-reviewed journals. Her research interests also include gender equity and career advancement for women and underrepresented minorities in medicine and the impact of social media on medicine. She also speaks on these topics.
Dr. Jain is a member of the Women's Leadership Council at Rush and is the founder and host of the podcast "The Rush Cast." She founded and co-chaired the "Women in Medicine Symposium" at Northwestern in 2018 focused on promoting the advancement of women physicians at Northwestern. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the "Women in Medicine Summit: An Evolution in Empowerment" in Chicago. This national CME conference focuses on gender equality and finding and implementing solutions to eliminate the gap. Dr. Jain has written for several organizations including Doximity, KevinMD, ASCO Connection. She is the founder of the 2500+ facebook group Dual Physician Families, and she is on the leadership team for SoMeDocs (Doctors on Social Media).
Reason Dr. Shikha Jain pursued Hematology Oncologist:
When I was a resident, the doctor-patient relationship oncologists had with their patients was what drew me in. I wanted to have continuity with my patients and have the opportunity to develop relationships. I see what we do as a privilege and I couldn't imagine doing anything else. As I learned more about the field, the advances and innovations were amazing.
Education:
College - University of Chicago
Graduate School Attended - Drexel (1yr)
Medical School - Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine
Residency - University of Illinois Chicago
Fellowship - Loyola Hospital: Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
Typical Day in the life of an Hematology Oncologist:
I am in the clinic a few days a week. When I am not in the clinic, I am teaching fellows, writing papers (both research and narratives), organizing women in medicine summit, providing education to patients, giving talks, doing outreach, and helping physicians find their leadership styles.
Residency training:
3 years of internal medicine residency, 3 years heme/onc fellow.
What type of advice do you give to those aspiring to be in Hematology Oncologist:
It is an incredible field and every day I am inspired by my patients and colleagues.
3 Things that Excite Dr. Brittany Oliver about being an Hematology Oncologist:
Immunotherapy
If Dr. Shikha Jain picked another field:
Travel journalist

[@stevehawke9819]

I was hoping Dr. Kopelman would let Dr. Jain explain why she ruled out pulmonary & critical care and chose hematology & oncology! Those are the two I'm most interested in, even though I realize they're both completely different subspecialties (e.g. pulm/ccm has a lot more procedures like central lines, intubations, and learning the vent; the various ICUs like the MICU allow for a shift work mentality; pulm involves pulm consults as well as outpatient pulm so pulm/ccm can be a good mix between inpatient and outpatient work; pulm/ccm involves a lot of family meetings to discuss goals of care and the like; hem/onc, outside of fellowship, i.e. as an attending, is largely outpatient work with more or less regular if long hours and limited call and typically call from home; hem/onc involves a lot of breaking bad news).

[@CornalinaRosa]

This is what I aspire to be! Been interested in Oncology since high school; I've already graduated from med school and did an MSc with some research, now preparing for the Steps.... hopefully I'll get there! Thanks a lot for this video.

[@555sanjana]

good luck! you got this!!

[@noahpike6163]

Same, but im not tryna do 8+ years of college

[@555sanjana]

@@noahpike6163 darlin it's 4 years of college, 4 years of med school, 3-7 years of residency, and optional fellowship

[@furkanbahar3836]

Thank you so much! That was really inspiring

[@mhchoudhurymd]

There are Medical (Chemotherapy), immunologic, Radiotherapy and Surgical Oncology sub specialist as well. They all work together. The Patient is the focus ! And the family along with social workers help the patient! Nurses also specialize in these areas. Enough works to need people.

[@ienpham1255]

Becoming a hematologist always my number 1 ambition, yes I am on the pre-med track to do so Junior year now.

[@moomoo5198]

i never like to hear about if my loved ones are being referred to hematoma oncologist... its like a death sentence almost...

[@ayoolaogunyimika1597]

Sickle cell isn’t benign