German radiation oncology’s next generation: a web-based survey of young biologists, medical physicists, and physicians—from problems to solutions
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Radiation science is of utmost significance not only due to its growing importance for clinical use, but also in everyday life such as in radiation protection questions. The expected increase in cancer incidence due to an aging population combined with technical advancements further implicates this importance and results in a higher need for sufficient highly educated and motivated personnel. Thus, factors preventing young scientists and medical personnel from entering or remaining in the field need to be identified. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire with one general and three occupation-specific questionnaires for physicians, biologists, and medical physicists working in radiation oncology and research was developed and circulated for 6 weeks. RESULTS: While the overall satisfaction of the 218 participants was quite high, there are some points that still need to be addressed in order to ensure a continuing supply of qualified personnel. Among these were economic pressure, work-life balance, work contracts, protected research time, and a demand for an improved curriculum. CONCLUSION: Mentoring programs, improved education, and strengthening the value of societies in radiation sciences as well as translational approaches and more flexible working arrangements might ensure a high-quality workforce and thus patient care in the future.
Source: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie
Institutions: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Cologne, Austin Hospital, University Hospital Cologne, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, Austin Health, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, TUM Klinikum, Technical University of Munich, University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, Leipzig University, German Cancer Research Center, Essen University Hospital, Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung, University of Duisburg-Essen, Heidelberg University, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, University of Rostock
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
Awards: NukSiFutur-Nachwuchsgruppe TOGETHER: (Osteo-) Immunologische geschlechts- und altersspezifische Besonderheiten in der Strahlenempfindlichkeit und deren Konsequenzen für Perspektiven im Strahlenschutz, Verbundprojekt METABOLiST: Einfluss veränderter Stoffwechselwege auf die therapeutische Strahlenantwort von Tumoren, Teilprojekt B
OpenAlex ID: W4403619424