Workforce Trends Among Canadian Medical Oncologists and Medical Oncology Trainees over Two Decades

Area of Science:

• Health Workforce Research
• Oncology Human Resources
• Cancer Care Delivery

Background:

• Understanding oncology health human resources is crucial for quality cancer care in Canada.
• Limited data exists on the medical oncology (MO) workforce and trainees.
• This study addresses the need to characterize MO workforce trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize trends in the Canadian medical oncology (MO) workforce and trainees.
• To explore the relationship between medical oncologists and cancer incidence.
• To assess the supply and demand of medical oncology services.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Canadian Medical Association, CIHI, and Canadian Post MD Education Registry data (1994-2020).
• Estimated number, demographics, and distribution of practicing MOs and trainees.
• Calculated annual cancer incidence to MO provider ratios using Statistics Canada data.

Main Results:

• Between 1994-2020, cancer incidence rose, while the MO workforce grew by 298%.
• The cancer case to MO ratio improved significantly, from 749:1 to 352:1.
• The MO workforce is aging, with 40% aged ≥50 in 2020; trainee trends mirror this.

Conclusions:

• Despite workforce growth, an aging MO population poses future challenges.
• Ongoing monitoring of oncology human resources is essential for meeting future demand.
• Ontario leads in MOs and trainees, highlighting regional distribution considerations.