ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S2210

Interdisciplinary – Education in radiation oncology

ESTRO 2025

prevalent motivating factors in choosing RO were its innovative aspect (59%), the multidisciplinary environment (54%), the use of advanced technology (50,6%), or scientific interest (43%). Gender differences emerged, with male respondents more likely to value technological aspects (p = 0.005) and artificial intelligence (p = 0.002), while female respondents reported higher incidences of respect-related challenges (p = 0.04). Conversely, primary concerns included limited career progression (21%), low salary (15%), and workload (9%). The fear of being replaced by other specialties or artificial intelligence systems was mentioned by only 7%. Ranking the factors influencing workplace choice placed human resources at the top, followed by workload, equipment quality, and living environment. Conclusion: Early-career radiation oncologists from various European countries showed limited interest in the field during their medical studies. However, they currently appreciate innovation, multidisciplinarity, the use of advanced technology, and scientific opportunities in the field. Some concerns about career opportunities and financial compensation remain, while working-environment-related aspects influence the choice of a workplace.

Keywords: Radiation oncology, motivation , Europe

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Digital Poster Addressing Diversity and Equity Challenges in Radiation Oncology: A European Survey of Early-Career Professionals Luc OLLIVIER 1 , Mateusz Spalek 2 , Beatriz Alvarez Rodriguez 3 , André Abrunhosa-Branquinho 4 , Yasmine El Houat 5 , Morten Horsholt Kristensens 6 , Danny Jazmati 7 , Anne G.H. Niezink 8 , Steven Petit 9 , Valerio Nardone 10 , Daan Nevens 11 , Viola Salvestrini 12 , Monica Emilia Chirila 13 , Morten Hiul Suppli 14 , Amanda Webster 15 , Jenny Bertholet 16 , Dora Correia 17 , Francesca De Felice 18 , Philipp Linde 19 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de L’Ouest (ICO), Nantes, France. 2 Department of Radiotherapy I, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland. 3 Department of Radiation Oncology, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain. 4 Serviço de Radioterapia, Unidade Local de Saúde Santa Maria EPE, Lisbon, Portugal. 5 Department of Radiation Oncology, CLB, Lyon, France. 6 Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. 7 Department of Radiation Oncology, Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf, Germany. 8 Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands. 9 Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, France. 10 Department of Precision Oncology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy. 11 Iridium Netwerk, Radiation Oncology Department, Universiteit Antwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium. 12 Radiation Oncology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. 13 Department of Radiation Oncology, Amethyst Radiotherapy Centre, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 14 Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. 15 National Radiotherapy Trials Quality Assurance (RTTQA) Group, University College Hospital (UCLH), 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU, United Kingdom. 16 Division of Medical Radiation Physics and Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. 17 Department of Radiation Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland. 18 Radiation Oncology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 19 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany Purpose/Objective: Radiation oncology (RO) faces a dual challenge: enhancing its attractiveness as a career and fostering an inclusive, equitable environment for all practitioners. This study aimed to identify significant deterrents and equity-related challenges faced by early-career professionals in European countries, shedding light on potential areas for improvement.