Resident Physician (Biochemistry and Biotechnology, BSc, Chemistry and Biophysics, MSc)

Dr. Nguyen Ang Tuan (Patrick) Hoang, University of Toronto

By: Avneet Kahlon, Outreach & Support Peer 

Patrick earned both a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry and Biotechnology and a Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry and Biophysics from Wilfrid Laurier University. Initially aspiring to a career in academia, he pursued a PhD in Molecular and Structural Biophysics at the University of Guelph with the goal of becoming a professor. However, his path shifted toward clinical practice, leading him to earn a medical doctorate from McGill University. He is now in his final year of training as a Medical Oncology fellow at the University of Toronto.

As a Medical Oncology resident, Patrick spends approximately 30 hours per week in clinical settings, attending six to seven clinics where he sees between 10 to 20 patients per session. His responsibilities include assessing patients, planning and delivering treatments, and minimizing side effects. He works closely with various specialists to provide comprehensive cancer care. In addition to his clinical duties, Patrick is on call once a week, managing hospital admissions through the emergency department. These on-call shifts vary between 15 to 24 hours, requiring him to manage urgent patient cases and coordinate care with other hospital teams. When he is not in clinics or on call, Patrick is actively involved in research. His work primarily focuses on clinical research, exploring ways to improve and advance techniques and patient outcomes. He notes that medical research is highly diverse, ranging from traditional wet lab experiments with animal models to translational research that connects laboratory findings with patient data. Other areas of interest include healthcare policy and systems research, which examine ways to enhance cancer care on a broader scale.

Patrick emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy in oncology. Discussing diagnoses and treatment options with patients requires sensitivity and clarity, as many patients face complex decisions regarding their care. He highlights the importance of staying up to date with medical advancements, as oncology is a rapidly evolving field. Furthermore, Patrick values collaboration, noting that teamwork among healthcare professionals enhances patient care and fosters a supportive work environment. He also acknowledges that oncology is a long-term commitment and advises individuals to ensure they truly enjoy the work, as passion and drive are crucial for navigating the challenging days in the field.

Patrick followed a nontraditional path to medicine, dedicating most of his time to research until completing his PhD. Unlike many medical students who gain early clinical exposure, he had little to no volunteer or healthcare-related experience before deciding to apply to medical school. Recognizing the need for clinical experience, he spent the final year of his PhD volunteering at a hospital and volunteering at a KidsAbility centre in Kitchener. Patrick entered medicine without direct mentors in the field. Instead, his guidance came from his professor and academic advisor, Dr. Matthew Smith, along with biochemistry professor Dr. Masoud Jelokhani-Niaraki, both of whom supported his research and academic journey. Without family or close friends in medicine, he largely navigated the transition on his own. He now encourages aspiring medical students to seek mentorship early, acknowledging the advantage of having guidance in such a challenging field.

The journey to becoming an oncologist is extensive, requiring dedication and perseverance. Patrick outlines the necessary steps for those aspiring to enter this field:

• Successfully complete an undergraduate degree (3-4 years), preferably in sciences or a related field
• Gain relevant healthcare experience through research, volunteering, or clinical work to strengthen medical school applications
• Complete medical school (4 years), including preclinical coursework and clinical rotations across various specialties
• Match into a residency program in Internal Medicine (3 years), which provides foundational training in diagnosing and managing complex diseases
• Pursue subspecialty training in Medical Oncology through a fellowship program (1-2 years), focusing on cancer treatment, research, and patient care (training duration varies by specialty)
• Obtain certification through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) in Medical Oncology

The field of Medical Oncology continues to advance with innovations in immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance diagnoses. Personalized treatment has always been a key part of the field and will keep evolving to shape the future of cancer care. Patrick encourages aspiring oncologists to engage in research, network with professionals in the field, and seek mentorship opportunities to gain valuable insight into the profession. He recommends resources such as the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists (CAMO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for staying informed about industry developments and career pathways.

For those considering a career in oncology, Patrick advises maintaining a solid academic record, actively seeking clinical and research experiences, and developing excellent communication and interpersonal skills. He believes the key to success is a genuine passion for taking care of people and emphasizes the importance of embracing the intellectual and interpersonal challenges that medicine presents. While hard work is essential, he believes that being smart or naturally good at academics isn’t as crucial as determination and a deep commitment to patient care. Ultimately, he highlights the value of being kind, humble, and hardworking, while building connections, as you never know when those relationships might be needed in the future. Patrick’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment and patient care demonstrates the dedication needed to succeed in this field, showcasing his significant contribution to healthcare.