2009 Canadian Radiation Oncology Resident Survey

• Published in: International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics Vol. 82; no. 4; pp. 1326 - 1331
• Main Authors: Debenham, Brock, M.D, Banerjee, Robyn, M.D, Fairchild, Alysa, M.D., F.R.C.P.C, Dundas, George, M.D., C.C.F.P., F.R.C.P.C, Trotter, Theresa, M.D., F.R.C.P.C, Yee, Don, M.D., F.R.C.P.C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 15.03.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; CANADA; Career Choice; EMPLOYMENT; Employment - statistics & numerical data; Female; Forecasting; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Internship and Residency - manpower; Male; Medical sciences; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Radiation Oncology - education; Radiation Oncology - manpower; RADIOLOGICAL PERSONNEL; RADIOLOGY; RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE; Residency training; STATISTICS; Teaching. Deontology. Ethics. Legislation; Time Factors; TRAINING; Young Adult; Canada; North America; America; Radiation oncology education; Residency training; Survey; Cancerology; Education; Physician; Resident (student); Malignant tumor; Public health; Occupational training; Cancer
• ISSN: 0360-3016; 1879-355X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2011.04.030

Purpose Statistics from the Canadian post-MD education registry show that numbers of Canadian radiation oncology (RO) trainees have risen from 62 in 1999 to approximately 150 per year between 2003 and 2009, contributing to the current perceived downturn in employment opportunities for radiation oncologists in Canada. When last surveyed in 2003, Canadian RO residents identified job availability as their main concern. Our objective was to survey current Canadian RO residents on their training and career plans. Methods and Materials Trainees from the 13 Canadian residency programs using the national matching service were sought. Potential respondents were identified through individual program directors or chief resident and were e-mailed a secure link to an online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to report responses. Results The eligible response rate was 53% (83/156). Similar to the 2003 survey, respondents generally expressed high satisfaction with their programs and specialty. The most frequently expressed perceived weakness in their training differed from 2003, with 46.5% of current respondents feeling unprepared to enter the job market. 72% plan on pursuing a postresidency fellowship. Most respondents intend to practice in Canada. Fewer than 20% of respondents believe that there is a strong demand for radiation oncologists in Canada. Conclusions Respondents to the current survey expressed significant satisfaction with their career choice and training program. However, differences exist compared with the 2003 survey, including the current perceived lack of demand for radiation oncologists in Canada.