Delayed Workforce Entry and High Emigration Rates for Recent Canadian Radiation Oncology Graduates

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 2015 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJROBP.2015.06.002· OSTI ID:22458771

Halperin, Ross; Lefresne, Shilo ^[1]; Trotter, Theresa ^[2]; Stuckless, Teri ^[3]; Brundage, Michael ^[4]

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1. BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC (Canada)
2. Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB (Canada)
3. Dr H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, St. John's, NL (Canada)
4. Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston, ON (Canada)

Purpose: To determine the employment status and location of recent Canadian radiation oncology (RO) graduates and to identify current workforce entry trends. Methods and Materials: A fill-in-the-blank spreadsheet was distributed to all RO program directors in December 2013 and June 2014, requesting the employment status and location of their graduates over the last 3 years. Visa trainee graduates were excluded. Results: Response rate from program directors was 100% for both survey administrations. Of 101 graduates identified, 99 (98%) had known employment status and location. In the December survey, 5 2013 graduates (16%), 17 2012 graduates (59%), and 18 2011 graduates (75%) had permanent staff employment. Six months later, 5 2014 graduates (29%), 15 2013 graduates (48%), 24 2012 graduates (83%), and 21 2011 graduates (88%) had secured staff positions. Fellowships and temporary locums were common for those without staff employment. The proportion of graduates with staff positions abroad increased from 22% to 26% 6 months later. Conclusions: Workforce entry for most RO graduates was delayed but showed steady improvement with longer time after graduation. High emigration rates for jobs abroad signify domestic employment challenges for newly certified, Canadian-trained radiation oncologists. Coordination on a national level is required to address and regulate radiation oncologist supply and demand disequilibrium in Canada.

• OSTI ID: 22458771
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 93; ISSN IOBPD3; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
CANADA
EMPLOYMENT
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
PUBLIC OPINION
SUPPLY AND DEMAND