ThomasW.

McLean,MD

DepartmentofPediatrics
MedicalCenterBoulevard\WinstonSalem,NC27157
p
336.716.4085
\f
336.716.3010
tmclean@wakehealth.edu

\WakeHealth.edu

1.

what college did you go to and why?

Furman University in Greenville, SC. It is a small, liberal arts school with strong
academics, which allowed me to explore many subjects before deciding to major in biology
and apply to medical school.

2.

what interested you into this profession?

I love children so I decided to become a pediatrician. Then I decided to become a pediatric

hematologist/oncologist because I enjoy the science and pathophysiology, and I prefer
taking care of sick children rather than generally well children.

3.

what type of degree do you have? how long did it take? how relevant was school to
your career?

B.S. From Furman University (4 years). M.D. from the Medical University of South Caroline
(in Charleston, SC) (4 years). Then pediatric residency (3 years), followed by a fellowship in
pediatric hematology/oncology (3 years). Total = 14 years after high school. Every course I
took in school from high school on played a role in my education and development as a
physician.

4.

what are the hardships of the job?

In oncology (and rarely hematology) we inevitably have some patients die. This is
undoubtedly the part of my job I like the least. The death of a child is especially hard on
parents and siblings, but it is also hard on physicians, nurses, and everyone involved with
the childs care.

5.

how much do you get called into work when youre off duty?
Im on call an average of one out of every 6 nights and one out of every 6 weekends. I take
weekday call from home and typically get 5-6 calls after hours (between 5 PM and 8 AM the

next day). Fortunately, most of those come before 10 PM, but I frequently (0 4 calls per
night) get called when Im asleep and have to get up and talk on the phone. I rarely have to
go in to the hospital in the middle of the night. When on call for a weekend, I take calls
from 5 PM Friday until 8 AM Monday, and I make rounds on the inpatients on both
Saturday and Sunday.
6.

how many hours a week do you work? Do you ever work over those hours?

I average about 55 60 hours per week, plus on call hours. Some weeks can be up to 80
90 hours per week.

7.

what makes your job difficult?

See Number 4 above.

8.

what are the responsibilities of being a pediatric oncologist?

I take care of children with blood diseases (hematology) and cancer (oncology).
Hematology diseases include sickle cell anemia, other types of anemia, bleeding/clotting
disorders, and many others. Oncology diseases include leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors,
neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor (kidney cancer), and others. Caring for these children typically
involves talking with the patient and his/her parents, performing physical examinations,
ordering scans and xrays, ordering and interpreting blood tests, performing procedures,
and prescribing treatments. The two procedures I routinely perform are lumbar puncture
and bone marrow aspirate/biopsy, both of which involve inserting needles into specific
areas in the patients backs to obtain samples and/or to administer medicines. (We usually
sedate the patients so the procedures do not hurt.) Treatment may include chemotherapy,
other medicines, blood and blood products (transfusions). In addition, I consult regularly
with other physicians involved in these patients care such as surgeons, radiologists,
radiation oncologists, and pathologists. I take care of patients in the hospital (inpatients) as
well as in the clinic (outpatients). In addition to taking care of patients, I teach medical
students and residents (physicians who are learning how to become pediatricians), and I
also do some research. Finally, I have some administrative duties such as serving on
committees and overseeing clinical trials at Wake Forest for pediatric oncology patients.

9.

what opportunities does this job allow?

Helping others, lifelong learning, patient care, teaching, research, administration, travel (to
conferences, etc.).

10.

what is a normal day at work like?

On average, I arrive at 8 830 AM, and get home about 7 PM. My days and weeks vary
(which I like) and I spend my time doing a variety of activities (see number 8 above).

11.

what is the most rewarding part of being a pediatric oncologist?

In the short term, it is satisfying to go home each day knowing that my time was well spent
caring for children (and their families, from an emotional standpoint). In the long term, I
follow many patients for years, and I enjoy watching them grow up into healthy young
adults. I love to get emails and Christmas cards from them, and sometimes we even get
wedding invitations and birth announcements! These can be a potent inspiration for toiling
on, especially if Ive had a bad day or week.

12.

how different is pediatric oncology then just oncology for adults?

In general, children with cancer do better than adults with cancer. They tolerate higher
doses of chemotherapy, bounce back faster, and have fewer mental health problems. Plus,
we laugh a lot, make art, play music, tell silly jokes, give prizes/toys to the children, and get
to express the inner child that is in most of us. Its a lot of fun!