 According to the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "A gynecologic oncologist is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology who by virtue of education and training is prepared to provide consultation on and comprehensive management of patients with gynecologic cancer and whose present activity includes the practice of gynecologic oncology in an institutional setting wherein all the effective forms of cancer therapy are available.Comprehensive management should include those diagnostic and therapeutic procedures necessary for the total care of the patient with gynecologic cancer or complication resulting therefrom."Certification for special competence in gynecologic oncology ("Board Certification") by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology requires:
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Completion of an accredited 4-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology
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Completion of an accredited 2-4 year fellowship in gynecologic oncology, including publication of a scientific thesis
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Passing written and oral examinations in General Obstetrics and Gynecology administered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology;
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A minimum of 2 years practice as a gynecologic oncologist in an appropriate setting;
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Passing written and oral examinations in Gynecologic Oncology administered by the Division of Gynecologic Oncology of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Therefore, it takes a minimum of 3 years or more after completing fellowship training before the final Board Certification takes place.
Thus, the gynecologic oncologist is unique among oncologists by providing complete care for women with gynecologic cancer. Because the gynecologic oncologist is directly involved with all aspects of the patient's care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and supportive services, she is able to establish a close, long-term relationship with her physician. This relationship provides superb continuity of care and avoids many of the potential problems associated with fragmented care.
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