Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
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Irradiator Commissioning and Dosimetry for Assessment of LQ α and β Parameters, Radiation Dosing Schema, and in vivo Dose Deposition
Published on: March 11, 2021
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Lifetime in Radiation Oncology: Wisdom from Retired Physicians
Anne Leslie1, Mornisha Panchalingam2, Rajiv Samant3
1The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Retired radiation oncologists found their careers fulfilling, citing patient care and purpose. Mentorship and support systems are crucial for well-being and career longevity in radiation oncology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics and Oncology
- Physician Well-being and Career Longevity
- Qualitative Research Methods
Background:
- Radiation oncology is a demanding field with significant stressors.
- Existing research often focuses on current challenges, neglecting the long-term perspectives of retired physicians.
- Understanding retired radiation oncologists' experiences offers valuable insights into career fulfillment and sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the reflections of retired radiation oncologists on their careers.
- To identify aspects of radiation oncology that provided fulfillment and meaning over time.
- To understand factors contributing to career satisfaction and challenges faced.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semistructured interviews with 14 retired radiation oncologists.
- Transcribed interviews verbatim and analyzed data using NVivo 12.
- Employed content and thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns.
Main Results:
- Identified four main themes: "A Good Profession," "Highly Stressful," "Impact on Quality of Life," and "Retirement."
- Participants reported career fulfillment, satisfaction from patient care, and the importance of mentorship and purpose.
- Challenges included high stress from evolving technology, administrative burdens, and emotional tolls; a lack of structured support was noted.
Conclusions:
- Fostering mentorship and career satisfaction strategies are vital for sustaining well-being in radiation oncology.
- Understanding retired physicians' perspectives can inform support systems for current and future radiation oncologists.
- Prioritizing physician well-being is essential for long-term career fulfillment in radiation oncology.
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