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The American Society for Radiation Oncology 2017 Radiation Oncologist Workforce Study
Claire Y Fung1, Erli Chen2, Neha Vapiwala3
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|October 28, 2018
Summary
The 2017 radiation oncologist (RO) workforce survey shows increased female representation and technology use, but a shift from rural to urban/suburban practice. Concerns about RO oversupply and practice changes are noted.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Workforce Analysis
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) conducts periodic workforce surveys to understand the evolving landscape of radiation oncology.
- Previous surveys have identified demographic shifts and practice patterns, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the 2017 ASTRO radiation oncologist (RO) workforce survey results.
- To identify key demographic, technology, and employment trends within the RO profession.
- To assess the profession's capacity to meet patient needs, ensure job satisfaction, and attract new talent.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to 3856 US RO members in spring 2017.
- The survey design mirrored the 2012 workforce survey to enable trend analysis.
- A 31% response rate resulted in 1174 individual responses from 726 practices.
Main Results:
- The mean age of ROs was 50.9 years, with increased female representation (28.9%) and decreased white representation (69.8%) since 2012.
- A decrease in rural practice proportion (12.6%) was observed, with increases in suburban (40.6%) and sustained high urban (46.8%) practice locations.
- Utilization of advanced technologies like stereotactic body radiation therapy and hypofractionation increased significantly, while low-dose-rate brachytherapy decreased. Concerns about RO oversupply were more prevalent than shortage.
- A notable shift occurred from private practice towards academic/university systems and nonacademic hospitals, with practice mergers/buyouts being a primary driver for employment changes.
Conclusions:
- While race and gender disparities in the RO workforce have narrowed, geographic disparities persist, with a concentration in urban and suburban areas.
- The radiation oncology workforce is transitioning from predominantly private practice to a more balanced distribution across private, academic, and hospital-based settings.
- These trends underscore the need for strategic interventions to ensure equitable access to radiation oncology care for all patients across the US.
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