Gynecologic oncologists have the unique ability to provide both modalities, thereby maintaining continuity of care. Gynecologic oncologists also have a special understanding of the needs of women with cancer and of the unique issues surrounding female cancers. Comprehensive management should include those diagnostic and therapeutic procedures necessary for the total care of the patient with gynecologic cancer or complications resulting therefrom. Fellowships are an additional 3-4 years of clinical training and basic science research. The primary requirement for entrance into a fellowship training program in gynecologic oncology is satisfactory completion of 4 years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology.
Surgical training includes radical pelvic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and urologic surgery.
Gynecologic oncologists are also trained in the administering of chemotherapy and in the placement of intraoperative devices for radiotherapy. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists is the professional society of the over 600 gynecologic oncologists mostly in the United States.