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Loewen SK, Ruan Y, Wu CHD, Arifin A, Kim M, Bashir B, Halperin R, McKenzie M, Archambault J, Thompson R, Ringash J, Brundage M, Brenner D, Stuckless T. Supply and Demand for Radiation Oncologists in Canada: Workforce Planning Projections From 2020 to 2040. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:756-770. [PMID: 37562734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The number of Canadians diagnosed with cancer, and subsequent demand for radiation therapy, are expected to increase over time. This study aimed to update our needs-based workforce planning model to ensure appropriate staffing levels in the future. METHODS AND MATERIALS The supply of radiation oncologists, by age group, sex, and full-time equivalent status, was projected from 2020 to 2040 using a recursive-aging, input-output model developed with seeding parameters derived from national sources. The demand for radiation oncologists until 2040 was estimated using referral patterns for radiation therapy and consultation workload metrics applied to projected annual cancer incident cases to calculate required full-time equivalent positions. Baseline model parameters were also applied to the 2005-2019 workforce and incident case data to evaluate preprojection supply and demand trends. RESULTS Preprojection trends for 2005 to 2019 revealed accelerated staffing growth that transitioned from a workforce shortage to a surplus state in 2014 followed by substantial growth slowdown in 2016. The model predicts a transient surplus of radiation oncologists until 2026 followed by a projected deficit in subsequent years. Sensitivity analyses using the plausible range for each parameter continued to favor an undersupply, suggesting a trainee shortage unable to meet workforce expansion needs. Considering possible future declining trends in radiotherapy utilization and workload, calculations to inform corrective efforts in resident numbers resulted in 25 entry positions per year, up from 21 per year currently. Geographic distribution of trainees, relative to workforce and cancer incidence distributions, could be improved with more residency positions in Canadian regions outside Ontario. CONCLUSIONS Demand for radiation therapy and radiation oncologists in Canada are expected to grow more quickly than future expansion in staffing levels. Our workforce planning model provides evidence for more trainee requirements to inform stakeholders of possible corrective actions to training programs and recruitment. Further research is needed to explore additional strategies to expand capacity and high-quality delivery of radiation therapy to meet the foreseeable increase in Canadian patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K Loewen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Yibing Ruan
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Che Hsuan David Wu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Arifin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Bashir Bashir
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ross Halperin
- Division of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael McKenzie
- Division of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Archambault
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert Thompson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jolie Ringash
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Brundage
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren Brenner
- Departments of Oncology and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Teri Stuckless
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care Program of Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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Sierra-Fernández CR, Garnica-Geronimo LR, Azar-Manzur FJ, López-Meneses M, Trevethan-Cravioto SA, Huipe-Dimas A. Academic and professional profile of cardiology fellowship graduates of National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez from 2000 to 2015. ARCHIVOS DE CARDIOLOGIA DE MEXICO 2024; 94:55-64. [PMID: 38507325 PMCID: PMC11160534 DOI: 10.24875/acm.22000279] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology (NIC) has positioned itself as an international benchmark in cardiovascular medical education, standing out for its high academic standards and human quality. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the employment and academic profile of cardiology fellowship graduates from the National Institute of Cardiology of Mexico (NIC). METHODS A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted, involving 473 graduates from the period 2000-2015. Data was collected through an electronic survey. RESULTS A total of 221 graduates agreed to participate, accounting for 46.7% of the total number of graduates. Among the participants, 85.2% were male. The majority of graduates (82.4%) held Mexican nationality, while the remaining individuals represented various Latin-American nationalities. Following the completion of the cardiology fellowship, 89% of graduates pursued further postgraduate degrees. Within this group, 95.4% completed at least one additional fellowship, while 4.6% pursued a master's or PhD program. The most popular fellowship program chosen was Interventional Cardiology. On average, NIC graduates dedicate 10.8 hours per day to their work, with 6.4 hours dedicated to cardiology and 4.3 hours to their other postgraduate degree. Those employed in both public and private health systems allocate 6.1 hours and 5.2 hours per day, respectively. Additionally, 75% of graduates are involved in teaching activities. Currently, 84% of graduates are employed in Mexico. CONCLUSION The majority of NIC graduates are physicians who further their academic training by pursuing additional postgraduate programs. They work longer hours per day compared to the general Mexican population, with a significant focus on clinical cardiology. Graduates actively seek opportunities to share their expertise through various academic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis R. Garnica-Geronimo
- Dirección de Enseñanza, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Francisco J. Azar-Manzur
- Dirección de Enseñanza, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mauricio López-Meneses
- Dirección de Enseñanza, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Alejandra Huipe-Dimas
- Dirección de Enseñanza, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
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Jawad S, Thomas M, Hecker K, Kassam A. Exploring the construct of anticipatory stress in finding a job after residency training through cognitive interviewing: Implications for learner well-being and health workforce planning. MEDEDPUBLISH 2023; 13:25. [PMID: 37881509 PMCID: PMC10594048 DOI: 10.12688/mep.19559.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Anticipatory stress (AS) is denoted by concern about future events for which there is little control. Most AS research has been physiological studies such as measuring salivary cortisol levels. Medical learners may experience AS regarding employment after residency, however AS a psychological construct across career stages has not previously been studied. The objective of this study is to explore the psychological construct of employment AS in medical students, residents, and former Program Directors (PDs). Methods: Participants were recruited from a large Canadian medical school via purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews with n=21 participants (six medical students, nine residents, and six PDs) were transcribed verbatim, and coded by two independent reviewers using thematic analysis. Results: Participants agreed that financial, family, and geographical factors exacerbate AS, and it is mitigated by flexibility, social support, and being proactive. External support, job market saturation, and differences between medical specialities also influence AS. Perspectives unique to participant groups included: medical students reflecting on a hidden curriculum and preoccupation with proximal issues over distal concerns of employment; residents experiencing competing residency program demands; former PDs finding that resident competency, yearly hiring fluctuations, and existing stress impact AS. Consequences of AS include physical and psychological manifestations, performance anxiety, and pursuing additional training. Conclusions: Perceptions of AS vary by medical career stage. Individual, program and systems-level changes can help manage and address the underlying cause of AS: an unreliable job market for physicians. Correcting the mismatch between residency positions and job openings may be a proactive, preventative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Jawad
- Undergraduate Medical Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Megan Thomas
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kent Hecker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Aliya Kassam
- Community Health Sciences Cumming School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre Foothills campus, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Christ SM, Denner M, Andratschke N, Balermpas P, Hilty B, Tanadini-Lang S, Wilke L, Perryck S, Guckenberger M. Prospective assessment of stress and health concerns of radiation oncology staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 35:110-117. [PMID: 35698627 PMCID: PMC9176183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic required continuous adjustment of radiotherapy practice. Global stress levels and health concerns of staff followed COVID-19 infection waves. Frontline workers with direct patient contact were most affected by the pandemic. Beyond COVID-19, weekly regular online surveys can help to monitor staff well-being.
Introduction and background The COVID-19 pandemic has required rapid and repetitive adjustment of radiotherapy practice, hospital-level and department-level organization and hygiene measures. To prospectively monitor and manage stress levels and health concerns, employees of a radiation oncology department were invited to participate in weekly online surveys during the first year of the pandemic. Materials and methods Starting March 31st, 2020, cross-sectional online surveys were distributed to all employees of the Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich. The survey included questions about the profession, the work setting, the global stress level as well as the health concerns during the past work week. Stress levels and health concerns were assessed on a 10-point scale. SurveyMonkey® was used to conduct the survey. Distribution was performed via email. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. Results Between March 2020 and February 2021, 50 weekly surveys were distributed to 127 employees on average and resulted in 1,877 individual responses. The average response rate was 30%. The mean global stress level varied significantly by profession, ranging from 2.7 (±2.5) points for administrative staff to 6.9 (±2.3) points for radiation therapy technicians (p < 0.001). The mean global stress level was highest with 4.8 (±2.9) points for in-hospital work with direct patient contact. Health concerns were highest regarding family and friends with 4.0 (±3.1) points on average. Changes of the stress level varied in correlation with infection waves. Conclusion Weekly online surveys for prospective assessment of stress levels and health concerns were successfully conducted during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating their feasibility and value to monitor profession and workplace specific stress patterns and to allowed for tailored interventions. The physical and mental health of frontline healthcare workers in radiation oncology should remain a top priority for departmental leadership beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian M Christ
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Denner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolaus Andratschke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Panagiotis Balermpas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Hilty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Tanadini-Lang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lotte Wilke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Perryck
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Guckenberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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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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Wu CHD, Malik N, Kim M, Stuckless T, Halperin R, Archambault J, Thompson R, Ringash J, Brundage M, Loewen SK. Employment Outcomes for Canadian Radiation Oncology Graduates: 2020 Assessment and Longitudinal Trends. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:100915. [PMID: 35372718 PMCID: PMC8971833 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.100915] [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: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Canadian radiation oncology (RO) trainees have experienced employment challenges after residency training. The present study was conducted to evaluate current employment trends and perform comparisons to prior reported assessments. Methods and Materials A survey was administered to all 13 Canadian RO program directors requesting the employment status and location of their graduates during the past 3 years, and their perceptions on graduates’ employment challenges. Visa trainees were excluded. Findings were compared with surveys performed in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Results The response rate from RO program directors was 100%. There were 77 graduates identified who completed their residency training between 2017 and 2020. All had known employment status and location. Two (17%) 2020 graduates, 16 (84%) 2019 graduates, 17 (81%) 2018 graduates, and 24 (100%) 2017 graduates had staff employment. Of the 59 graduates with staff positions, 86% were in Canada. Some graduates (28%) obtained staff or locum employment in a province other than their training program. The proportion of graduates obtaining staff positions 1 year after residency increased to 84% from 46%-48% in prior assessments. Most program directors (62%) did not perceive any difficulties with their graduates finding staff employment or trainees transferring to training programs in other disciplines owing to perceived workforce challenges. Conclusions Compared with 3 prior employment outcome assessments, this study observed a higher proportion of graduates with staff positions in Canada, fewer total graduates, fewer graduates seeking staff employment or in fellowship positions, and a trend for fewer graduates seeking employment or fellowships abroad. These findings support the view that the Canadian RO job market continues to improve. Although employment challenges for newly certified, Canadian-trained radiation oncologists still exist, national corrective measures to regulate resident intake in 2011 appear to have had a positive effect on the employment outcomes of recent Canadian RO graduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Hsuan David Wu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nauman Malik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Teri Stuckless
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care Program of Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Ross Halperin
- Division of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Archambault
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert Thompson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jolie Ringash
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Brundage
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaun K. Loewen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Corresponding author: Shaun K. Loewen, PhD, MD
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Malik NH, Li GJ, Giuliani M, Brundage M, Caissie A, Cao JQ, Halperin R, Ingledew PA, Vigneault E, Bezjak A. Mapping the Current State of Canadian Medical School Oncology Interest Groups. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:203-209. [PMID: 32594313 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01803-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in Canada. Undergraduate medical education therefore must ensure adequate oncology education for all physicians and inspire some to make oncology their career specialty, in an effort to ensure public care needs are met in the future. Medical student-led oncology interest groups (OIGs) are a subset of specialty interest groups that supplement formal didactic and clinical learning to increase exposure to oncology and access to mentors. We conducted a survey of OIG leaders to ascertain their goals, activities, barriers, future directions, and perceptions about employment prospects. OIG leaders from 12/17 Canadian medical schools responded. Medical oncology was the most represented specialty in OIGs. Half of OIGs had faculty mentors. Self-reported goals were to increase exposure to oncology disciplines (n = 12), assist students with career selection (n = 11) and finding mentors (n = 7), and enhance oncology education (n = 10). OIGs held on average 5 events per year (range 1-12). Reported barriers were finding time to plan events, declining student interest over academic year, and limited funding. Many OIGs showed interest in more standardized resources about oncology disciplines (n = 9), access to presentations (n = 10), more funding (n = 7), and collaboration (n = 7). Employment in many oncology specialties was perceived poorly, and the most important career selection considerations were ease of employment, practice location, and partner/family preference. Our survey highlights common goals, barriers, and perceptions in OIG medical student leaders across Canada and provides guidance for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nauman H Malik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - George J Li
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Brundage
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Caissie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Q Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ross Halperin
- BC Cancer - Centre for the Southern Interior, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Paris-Ann Ingledew
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer-Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Vigneault
- Cancer Research Centre, University of Laval, QC, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrea Bezjak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Keilty D, Malik N, Ringash J, Halperin R, Brundage M, Doll CM, Loewen SK. Canadian Perspectives on Radiation Oncologist Workforce Planning and the Job Market. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 112:282-284. [PMID: 34998532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Keilty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nauman Malik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jolie Ringash
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ross Halperin
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of British Columbia, BC Cancer, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Brundage
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Queens University, Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Corinne M Doll
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shaun K Loewen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Calgary, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Wang MH, Loewen SK, Giuliani M, Fairchild A, Yee D, Debenham BJ. Motivations, Well-Being, and Career Aspirations of Radiation Oncology Resident Physicians in Canada. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2021; 36:933-940. [PMID: 32140969 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01717-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Prior Pan-Canadian surveys of Radiation Oncology (RO) residents reveal a decrease in Canadian RO employment opportunities. Canadian RO resident levels increased from 130 in 2003, peaked at 209 in 2009, then decreased to 130 in 2017. Recognizing that RO has entered another period of transition, we re-examined resident motivations and perspectives on the job market and explored well-being and career aspirations among a contemporary cohort of Canadian RO residents. An online survey was distributed to residents at all Canadian RO training programs. Surveys consisted of 75 open-ended, Likert-scale, matrix-style, and multiple-choice questions. Student's t test compared subgroups, with statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05. Out of 128 eligible residents, 84 completed the survey (66% response rate) with representative sampling from each training year. Demographics reveal 53% male, and 85% Canadian registry-funded. Top training-related stressors were exam performance, job prospects, and physical/psychological demands of residency. Most intend to pursue fellowship post-residency (80%) and practice in Canada (88%). Few believe they can obtain staff positions treating preferred tumor sites (38%) or at preferred geographic locations (28%). Residents view job market being less competitive than 5 years ago (40%) and predict it will be less competitive in 5 years (60%). Canadian RO residents feel adequately trained, and most pursue post-residency fellowships. Current perceptions of the Canadian job market remain guarded, but appear more optimistic about the future. This update provides insights into current RO training and identifies areas that could be addressed by incoming competency-based medical education models for RO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Wang
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada.
| | - Shaun K Loewen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alysa Fairchild
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Don Yee
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Brock J Debenham
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
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