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Leung J, James M, Adams G, Gupta N. Radiation oncologists' scope of practice and role in cancer management in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore: Are we clinicians or technicians? J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2023; 67:769-776. [PMID: 37469112 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To evaluate the scope of practice and role in cancer management for radiation oncologists in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore (ANZ). METHODS A 27-question survey was emailed to all practicing radiation oncologists listed on the RANZCR database in mid-2021. RESULTS There was a 54% response rate. Respondents reported managing symptoms associated with radiation therapy (96%), cancer-related symptoms (86%), writing narcotic and analgesic prescriptions (76%), being involved in palliative care (57%), prescribing non-cytotoxic systemic therapy (45%), and admitting patients (41%). Just over 20% wanted to expand their scope of practice, but for those who were unable to, insufficient time (35%), inter-specialty political difficulties (14%), and lack of support from the organisation (12%) were the major reasons. Over half of respondents (56.4%) thought they provided an opinion on the overall role of cancer management. Just under 20% provided a radiation therapy opinion only and <1% provided radiation therapy at the request of the referring clinician. The remainder reported a combination of these. Over 80% of respondents thought their ideal role was to be involved in overall cancer management and 20% believed they should be providing an opinion on radiation therapy only. The ideal role matched the actual role in over 87% of respondents and most respondents thought radiation oncology training enabled an opinion on overall cancer management. Over 90% of respondents were satisfied with their current role in cancer management. Radiation oncologists felt they were perceived as independent clinicians and the large majority (87%) thought radiation oncologists should be part of a multidisciplinary team rather than leaders in cancer management. CONCLUSION This study has revealed a broad but expected scope of practice for ANZ radiation oncologists with the large majority providing an opinion on overall cancer management or radiation therapy and their ideal role matching their actual role.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Leung
- Radiation Oncology, GenesisCare, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa James
- Christchurch Oncology Service, Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Gerry Adams
- Radiation Oncology, GenesisCare, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nishant Gupta
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ueda Y, Fukunaga JI, Kamima T, Shimizu Y, Kubo K, Doi H, Monzen H. Standardization of knowledge-based volumetric modulated arc therapy planning with a multi-institution model (broad model) to improve prostate cancer treatment quality. Phys Eng Sci Med 2023; 46:1091-1100. [PMID: 37247102 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-023-01278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether knowledge-based volumetric modulated arc therapy plans for prostate cancer with a multi-institution model (broad model) are clinically useful and effective as a standardization method. METHODS A knowledge-based planning (KBP) model was trained with 561 prostate VMAT plans from five institutions with different contouring and planning policies. Five clinical plans at each institution were reoptimized with the broad and single institution model, and the dosimetric parameters and relationship between Dmean and the overlapping volume (rectum or bladder and target) were compared. RESULTS The differences between the broad and single institution models in the dosimetric parameters for V50, V80, V90, and Dmean were: rectum; 9.5% ± 10.3%, 3.3% ± 1.5%, 1.7% ± 1.6%, and 3.6% ± 3.6%, (p < 0.001), bladder; 8.7% ± 12.8%, 1.5% ± 2.6%, 0.7% ± 2.4%, and 2.7% ± 4.6% (p < 0.02), respectively. The differences between the broad model and clinical plans were: rectum; 2.4% ± 4.6%, 1.7% ± 1.7%, 0.7% ± 2.4%, and 1.5% ± 2.0%, (p = 0.004, 0.015, 0.112, and 0.009) bladder; 2.9% ± 5.8%, 1.6% ± 1.9%, 0.9% ± 1.7%, and 1.1% ± 4.8%, (p < 0.018), respectively. Positive values indicate that the broad model has a lower value. Strong correlations were observed (p < 0.001) in the relationship between Dmean and the rectal and bladder volume overlapping with the target in the broad model (R = 0.815 and 0.891, respectively). The broad model had the smallest R2 of the three plans. CONCLUSIONS KBP with the broad model is clinically effective and applicable as a standardization method at multiple institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Ueda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69, Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 537-8567, Japan.
| | - Jun-Ichi Fukunaga
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medical Technology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1, Maidashi, Higashi- ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kamima
- Radiation Oncology Department, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yumiko Shimizu
- Department of Radiology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Naka Ward, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kubo
- Department of Medical Physics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Doi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Hajime Monzen
- Department of Medical Physics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
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Alesawi A, Malaka A, Abuzenada M, Alsaywid B, Badawood H, Aldawsari M, Alshaikh Y, Alesawi N. Employment Rate of Newly Certified Healthcare Specialists in Saudi Arabia: A Survey-Based Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e40898. [PMID: 37492823 PMCID: PMC10365150 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to assess and compare the employment rates of medical and dental specialists across different regions of Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2019. Methodology With the aid of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, the national survey was sent via email to 12,000 healthcare postgraduates who obtained their board certificate within the period 2011-2019. It contained several questions regarding demographics, specialty, employment, satisfaction, and, finally, challenges and obstacles they faced during their job-seeking experience. Results Of the 723 respondents, almost 655 (90.7%) were employed. The employment rate of medical specialists (n = 605, 90.7%) was higher than dental specialists (n = 50, 89.3%). Nevertheless, 96% (n = 48) of dental employees were working at a specialty of their specified qualification, while only 93.7% (n = 562) of medical employees did. Regarding the month of their employment, the month of October (15.25%) had the highest employment rate for medical specialists; however, for a dental specialist, August (18%) had the highest employment rate. However, 64.5% of the respondents admitted that they faced challenges during their job-seeking experience, with few available positions being the most common obstacle for both medical and dental specialists. Conclusions Our survey confirms that medical and dental specialists in Saudi Arabia are facing delays in entering the workforce, which vary by region and specialty. It also sheds light on the reasons for these gaps, with limited job opportunities being a major issue for both groups. For career advancement, it is essential to identify these obstacles and develop a strategy to overcome them, such as involving the private sector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maha Abuzenada
- Research and Development Department, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Basim Alsaywid
- Research and Development Department, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Halla Badawood
- Department of Occupational Therapy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Mohammed Aldawsari
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | | | - Norah Alesawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
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Hesselberg G, James M, Turner S, Gupta N, Mackenzie P. Gender diversity and leadership in Radiation Oncology in Australia and New Zealand. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2023; 67:203-211. [PMID: 36814391 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been a groundswell of discussion and activism surrounding gender diversity. Given the growing importance of this issue, a working group was established under the Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists' (RANZCR) Economics and Workforce Committee (EWC) to review the current status of gender diversity within radiation oncology (RO) in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS De-identified data were provided from two recent FRO workforce censuses conducted in 2014 and 2018 with permission from the EWC. Further data were provided via direct correspondence with staff at the RANZCR and the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG), the major RO research group in Australasia. The data were collated in February 2021. RESULTS Our results showed that compared to females, male radiation oncologists were more likely to be engaged in full-time active clinical work, hold a postgraduate degree and obtain a consultant or fellowship position following graduation. Male fellows were more likely to have leadership positions within RANZCR and TROG and self-identify as holding any leadership position. The 2018 census revealed that within the trainee cohort, there was almost an equal number of male and female trainees as well as an equal number of male and female trainees holding a postgraduate degree. CONCLUSION This review is an important first exploration into gender diversity across Australia and New Zealand's RO workforce. Whilst our study indicates that gender disparities exist, there are some indications that this may be equalizing out over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Hesselberg
- St George Hospital Cancer Care Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,GenesisCare, Waratah Private Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,UNSW St George & Sutherland Clinical School, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa James
- Christchurch Oncology Service, Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Centre, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.,University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sandra Turner
- Western Sydney Radiation Oncology Network, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Sydney, Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nishant Gupta
- The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Penny Mackenzie
- Icon Cancer Care, St Andrew's Hospital, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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Charlton TG, Hindocha S. Editorial Future Proofing the Clinical Oncology Workforce. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023; 35:314-317. [PMID: 36805130 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T G Charlton
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - S Hindocha
- UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Kwok JK, Samson N, Doll CM, Barbera L, Loewen SK. Representation of Women in Canadian Radiation Oncology Trainees and Radiation Oncologists: Progress or Regress? Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:101023. [PMID: 36164478 PMCID: PMC9507987 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.101023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods and Materials Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime K. Kwok
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Corresponding author: Jaime K. Kwok, MD
| | - Nina Samson
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Corinne M. Doll
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Barbera
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shaun K. Loewen
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Chapman CH, Nomura K, Kothari A, Atluri' N, Saito AI. Workplace Gender Inequity Is Driven by Broader Societal Inequity: A Qualitative Study of Senior Japanese and American Radiation Oncologists. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:100879. [PMID: 35198834 PMCID: PMC8844661 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2021.100879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Gender inequity in medicine harms society, and often originates in the context of broader societal discrimination. This study explores the experiences of older women in the radiation oncology specialty in Japan and the United States, with an emphasis on understanding how broader gender inequity affects career trajectory. Radiation oncology is an ideal setting to investigate cross-cultural physician gender equity issues, because few women enter the field despite fewer barriers (eg, frequent emergencies, evening/weekend hours, long procedures) that are commonly cited by women as deterrents in specialty selection. Methods and Materials Between 2012 and 2016, the authors interviewed 14 older women in radiation oncology (department chairs or full professors), with 6 from Japan and 8 from the United States. Multiple analysts identified themes to explore the impact of societal gender inequity on female radiation oncologists’ careers. Results Five themes were identified: (1) childhood gender constructs affect career aspirations, (2) persistent sexism and gender-based workplace challenges affect women's careers, (3) gender inequity in the home affects women's careers, (4) non–gender-related factors intersect to affect women's career satisfaction, and (5) attaining gender equity appears to be even more challenging in Japan compared with the United States. Conclusions Female radiation oncologists in 2 of the most technologically advanced countries report that gender discrimination across their lifespans substantially affects career success. Because gender inequality reflects societal injustice and negatively affects scientific progress and patient outcomes, future research should focus on global approaches to address professional and domestic gender constructs that impede women's career progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Hunter Chapman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kyoko Nomura
- Department of Public Health, AkitaUniversity Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
| | | | | | - Anneyuko I. Saito
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo, Japan
- Corresponding author: Anneyuko I. Saito, MD, PhD
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Leung J. United States and Australia and New Zealand Radiation Oncology Trainee Concerns, Examination, and Training: A Comparison and What We Can Learn From Each Other. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 106:914-915. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Loewen SK, Doll CM, Halperin R, Delouya G, Archambault J, Stuckless T, Brundage M. Taking Stock: The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology 2017 Radiation Oncologist Workforce Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2019; 105:42-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Loewen SK, Doll CM, Halperin R, Parliament M, Pearcey RG, Milosevic MF, Bezjak A, Vigneault E, Brundage M. National Trends and Dynamic Responses in the Canadian Radiation Oncology Workforce From 1990 to 2018. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2019; 105:31-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Leung J, Forstner D, Chee R, James M, Que E, Begum S. Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2018 workforce census. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2019; 63:852-861. [PMID: 31419042 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.12939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper reports the key findings of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2018 workforce census and compares results with previous studies. METHODS The census was conducted in mid-2018 with distribution to all radiation oncologists and trainees listed on the college database in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and overseas. There were new questions about hours spent on multidisciplinary meetings (MDTS), leadership positions held, management of inpatients, hypofractionation, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), income type and gynae-oncology work for radiation oncologists. Trainees were asked about time spent on planning and contouring. RESULTS The overall response rate was 69.9% with 67.7% of radiation oncologists and 77.9% of trainees responding. There were 514 radiation oncologists with 60% male and a mean age of 49 years (median = 46 years, range 31-91). The majority of respondents were Caucasian (57.7%) and from New South Wales (29.4%). Sixty-one per cent were subspecialists with breast, SBRT and urological cancers, the most popular areas of interest, and 56% held leadership positions. The majority worked in the public sector (55.7%), but 31.7% worked solely in the private sector with an average working week of 43.4 hours (h) (median = 44, range 2-110). Radiation oncologists spent an average of 3.6 h on MDTS (median = 4 h), 2.2h (median = 2 h) on simulation and 8 h (median = 5 h) on contouring per week. They averaged 245 new patients (median = 250, range 30-695) and 25 inpatients (median = 20) per year. Hypofractionation was used for radical treatment of breast (75%) and prostate cancer (49%). Radiation oncologists were mainly remunerated with a fixed income (53%) with 40% having some incentive-based income. There were 140 trainees with an equal male and female distribution. The large majority (88%) were satisfied with their career and network (83%). Most trainees worked between 36 and 55h per week with 15% having no protected time. Most trainees spent less than 5 hours on planning each week and job availability remained a major concern (90%). CONCLUSIONS The radiation oncologist numbers have increased significantly, but unemployment remains low. Many parameters remain similar to the 2014 census, but new information has been obtained on special interest areas, leadership positions, gynae-oncology, inpatients, hypofractionation use, remuneration and contouring. Trainee numbers remain stable with an increased percentage satisfied with their career with much less concern about oversupply. Protected time remains an issue with contouring time and teaching emerging as a potential issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Leung
- University of Adelaide Medical School, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,GenesisCare, Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dion Forstner
- GenesisCare, St Vincents Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raph Chee
- School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa James
- Christchurch School of Medicine, Canterbury Regional Cancer and Blood Service, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Eddy Que
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shahin Begum
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Leung J, Lehman M. Contouring experiences amongst Australian, New Zealand and Singaporean radiation oncology trainees. Is it enough? What next? J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2019; 63:383-389. [DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Leung
- University of Adelaide Medical School Adelaide South Australia Australia
- GenesisCare Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Margot Lehman
- Department of Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Lwin Z, Broom A, Sibbritt D, Francis K, Karapetis CS, Karikios D, Harrup R. The Australian Medical Oncologist Workforce Survey: The profile and challenges of medical oncology. Semin Oncol 2018; 45:284-290. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Leung J, Kariyasawam S, Forstner D, Chee R, James M. Employment for radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand: Recent graduates survey of experiences and perspectives. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2017; 62:94-101. [PMID: 29063700 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper reports the key findings of the first survey of recent Radiation Oncology graduates in Australia, New Zealand (ANZ) and Singapore. It explores their experiences in entering the workforce, challenges and perspectives. METHODS The survey was conducted in April and May 2016 focusing on graduates from 2013 to 2015. The questions related to relocation, current employment, experiences in finding a job, intentions regarding rural work, job satisfaction and perceptions of the job market. RESULTS The response rate was 80% (66/83). Most respondents (72.7%) commenced and completed their training in the same location. The large majority of respondents (91%) were employed with 51% as consultants, 20% as fellows and 15% as locums. Sixty-four percent of respondents spent more than twelve weeks looking for a consultant position, but this was expected by 80% of respondents. Seventy-three percent of respondents spent more than four weeks looking for a fellowship position, but this was expected by 90%. Twenty seven percent of respondents lived and worked in a rural area with nearly half of respondents who did not work in a rural area, indicating they would consider so if certain conditions were met. The large majority (75%) were satisfied with their current employment with only seven percent reporting dissatisfaction. Respondents felt that the job market was very competitive because of the large number of trainees and better workforce planning was required to ensure a reasonable balance between workforce supply and demand. Some career guidance and mentorship for readiness for the job market was thought to be beneficial. CONCLUSIONS This initial survey of recent Radiation Oncology graduates in ANZ and Singapore has revealed the large majority are employed as consultants or fellows, although there is apprehension about a competitive job market. The survey should be repeated on a regular basis to monitor future trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Leung
- University of Adelaide Medical School, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Radiotherapy Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sanjeewanie Kariyasawam
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dion Forstner
- Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raphael Chee
- School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa James
- Christchurch School of Medicine, Canterbury Regional Cancer and Blood Service, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Chowdhary M, Chhabra AM, Switchenko JM, Jhaveri J, Sen N, Patel PR, Curran WJ, Abrams RA, Patel KR, Marwaha G. Domestic Job Shortage or Job Maldistribution? A Geographic Analysis of the Current Radiation Oncology Job Market. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 99:9-15. [PMID: 28816168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine whether permanent radiation oncologist (RO) employment opportunities vary based on geography. METHODS AND MATERIALS A database of full-time RO jobs was created by use of American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Career Center website posts between March 28, 2016, and March 31, 2017. Jobs were first classified by region based on US Census Bureau data. Jobs were further categorized as academic or nonacademic depending on the employer. The prevalence of job openings per 10 million population was calculated to account for regional population differences. The χ2 test was implemented to compare position type across regions. The number and locations of graduating RO during our study period was calculated using National Resident Matching Program data. The χ2 goodness-of-fit test was then used to compare a set of observed proportions of jobs with a corresponding set of hypothesized proportions of jobs based on the proportions of graduates per region. RESULTS A total of 211 unique jobs were recorded. The highest and lowest percentages of jobs were seen in the South (31.8%) and Northeast (18.5%), respectively. Of the total jobs, 82 (38.9%) were academic; the South had the highest percentage of overall academic jobs (35.4%), while the West had the lowest (14.6%). Regionally, the Northeast had the highest percentage of academic jobs (56.4%), while the West had the lowest (26.7%). A statistically significant difference was noted between regional academic and nonacademic job availability (P=.021). After we accounted for unit population, the Midwest had the highest number of total jobs per 10 million (9.0) while the South had the lowest (5.9). A significant difference was also observed in the proportion of RO graduates versus actual jobs per region (P=.003), with a surplus of trainees seen in the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS This study presents a quantitative analysis of the RO job market. We found a disproportionately small number of opportunities compared with graduates trained in the Northeast, as well as a significant regional imbalance of academic versus nonacademic jobs. Long-term monitoring is required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudit Chowdhary
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Arpit M Chhabra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey M Switchenko
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jaymin Jhaveri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Neilayan Sen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Pretesh R Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ross A Abrams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kirtesh R Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gaurav Marwaha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Leung J. In Regard to Pan et al and Falit et al. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 97:639-640. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Supply and Demand for Radiation Oncology in the United States: A Resident Perspective. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 97:225-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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In Regard to Canal et al. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2016; 94:1223. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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