Top Concerns of Radiation Oncology Trainees in 2019: Job Market, Board Examinations, and Residency Expansion

Abstract

Radiation oncology (RO) is a dynamic and rapidly changing field. Residents are uniquely positioned to identify issues relevant to graduate medical education and the future workforce. As the elected members of the Executive Committee for the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO), we communicate with the larger RO community about the issues that residents identify as being the most pressing. ARRO recently sent a brief survey to registered American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) members-in-training (N Z 710) asking them to rank in order any (or all) of 14 specified issues that "concern[ed them] as radiation oncologist[s]." Responses were received from 179 individuals from April 4th through May 10th (response rate Z 25.2%). The top 3 concerning issues (Fig. 1), by rank order, were the job market (91%), the American Board of Radiology (ABR) qualifying (written) examinations (85%), and residency expansion (84%). Other issues identified by trainees included oral boards, declining reimbursement, variability in training programs, and fellowship expansion. Additional free-text concerns were submitted by 90 trainees. The top 2 themes included clinical relevance of board certification examinations (n Z 17) and trust in leadership (n Z 11). Here, we will briefly discuss the top 3 issues. Job Market The principal concern identified by residents was the job market (Fig. 1). Not only did 91% of residents rank the job market as "a concerning issue," but 72% ranked it as 1 of the

Residency Interviews in Radiation Oncology After COVID-19: Perspectives From Recently Matched Applicants

“…The abrupt changes to UME and the residency application process carry the potential to dissuade applicants from pursuing the unique, small, and highly specialized field of radiation oncology, which over the last 2 years has experienced declining applicant numbers in the setting of job market concerns. 3 , 4 Traditionally, in-depth curricular, cocurricular, and extracurricular elective experiences that yield research publications and personalized letters of recommendation are tantamount to a well-informed and successful application in radiation oncology (perhaps even more so now with changes to the scoring of the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1). 5 A curtailing of these experiences—during or after the pandemic—poses a significant barrier to applicants, especially those without home programs, and as a result may further adversely affect decisions to apply into radiation oncology, ultimately affecting the future diversity and richness of the field.…”

United States and Australia and New Zealand Radiation Oncology Trainee Concerns, Examination, and Training: A Comparison and What We Can Learn From Each Other

“…In the United States, there has been concern about the rapid expansion of programs, the quality of training in these programs, the maintenance of accreditation, and unfilled positions. 3,4 We have similar concerns. However, in Australia and New Zealand, we have very robust accreditation standards that are revised every few years.…”

“…I have read with great fascination the numerous articles that have appeared recently in the Red Journal about trainee concerns, examinations, training, and the workforce. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Many of the issues discussed in the United States have also been reported in Australia and New Zealand, so it would be instructive to highlight comparisons. [9][10][11][12][13] Perhaps more importantly, we might be able to learn from one another and facilitate changes.…”

“…Radiation oncology trainee concerns about the job market are prevalent in both countries. 3,4,9 In Australia and New Zealand, I was so concerned about the issue that I undertook a very comprehensive survey detailing new graduates experiences and perspectives. 9 We in fact found that 91% were employed, 51% as consultants with minimal dissatisfaction, despite the perception of a competitive job market.…”

Students’ Perspectives and Concerns for the 2020 to 2021 Radiation Oncology Interview Season

“…Concerns about postresidency employment were mentioned by focus group participants who were familiar with discussion boards and recent publications on this topic. [12][13][14] Program websites may provide an opportunity to showcase alumni in clinical practice and other alumni achievements. The suggestion for a distinct portal or website for invited interview applicants was also unique and merits highlighting as this would allow for a more individualized experience for applicants to learn about the virtual interview process, take a virtual tour of the department and learn several other important pieces of information about a program.…”