Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
Radiation oncologists in the United States
Rebecca S Lewis1, Jonathan H Sunshine
1Research Department, American College of Radiology, Reston, VA 20191, USA. rlewis@acr.org
Professional satisfaction for radiation oncologists increased from 1995 to 2003, despite workload concerns. The number of radiation oncologists also grew by 21% during this period.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Practice Management
- Professional Demographics
Background:
- The field of radiation oncology has seen significant growth and evolution.
- Understanding the demographics and professional landscape of radiation oncologists is crucial for workforce planning and practice management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive overview of radiation oncologists' professional activities.
- To detail the practice settings and work patterns of radiation oncologists.
- To compare current professional characteristics with those from a 1995 survey.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the American College of Radiology's 2003 Survey of Radiation Oncologists.
- Utilizing a stratified random sample with a 68% response rate (472 responses).
- Comparison with 1995 survey data using two-tailed z tests for percentages and means.
Main Results:
- The number of radiation oncologists increased by 21% from 1995 to 2003 (approx. 2900 to 3500).
- In 2003, 23% of radiation oncologists were women, and 95% were board-certified.
- 48% worked in private practice, 20% in academic settings; average patient load was 264.
- Professional satisfaction increased, with 34% enjoying radiation oncology more than 5 years prior (vs. 21% in 1995).
Conclusions:
- Radiation oncologist numbers and board certification rates have increased.
- Professional satisfaction among radiation oncologists has notably improved since 1995.
- Despite workload concerns, the overall professional outlook for radiation oncologists is positive.
More Related Videos
05:18Radiation Planning Assistant - A Web-based Tool to Support High-quality Radiotherapy in Clinics with Limited Resources
Published on: October 6, 2023
06:20Irradiator Commissioning and Dosimetry for Assessment of LQ α and β Parameters, Radiation Dosing Schema, and in vivo Dose Deposition
Published on: March 11, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Radiation: Applications
The average...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Treatment Resistent Cancers
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT