ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S2204

Interdisciplinary – Education in radiation oncology

ESTRO 2025

4249

Digital Poster Future practice of Radiation Oncology: evolution of choice during residency and by gender Audrey Larnaudie 1,2 , Thomas Leroy 3 , Florence Huguet 4,5 , Véronique Vendrely 6,7 , Youssef Ghannam 8 1 Radiation Oncology, Centre François Baclesse, Caen, France. 2 SFJRO, French Society of Young Radiation Oncologists, Paris, France. 3 Radiation Oncology, Centre de Cancérologie Les Dentellières, Valenciennes, France. 4 Radiation Oncology, Hopital Tenon, Paris, France. 5 CNEC, National Board of Oncology Teachers, Paris, France. 6 Radiation Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Bordeaux, France. 7 SFRO, French Society of Radiation Oncology, Paris, France. 8 Radiation Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France Purpose/Objective: The practice of radiation oncology became more diversified, offering several modes of practice including public and private as well as clinical activities with or without research. During their residency in France, radiation oncology (RO) residents explore these possibilities. An academic career is often considered during residency, as it requires additional qualifications. In contrast, there are fewer opportunities for internships in private practice. This study aims to identify the factors influencing RO residents' decisions regarding their future practice. Material/Methods: A survey was written by the SFjRO (French Society of Young Radiation Oncologists) and reviewed by the CNEC (French National Board of Oncology Teachers) and the SFRO (French Society of Radiation Oncology) in 2023. The questionnaire focused on the future clinical and academic preferences. It was sent via email to all French RO residents. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed based on gender and semester. Results: One hundred seventy responses were received between December and January 2023, with 48% women and 51% men. More than one third of RO residents were unsure about their future type of practice (38%) but this rate decreased during residency. Respectively, 12% and 32% considered an academic career and research activity, with no gender difference (research: men 41% yes, 23% no, 23% unsure vs. women 23% yes, 31% no, 46% unsure, p=0.06; academic career: men 16% yes, 59% no, 24% unsure vs. women 7% yes, 67% no, 26% unsure, p =0.2), even after adjusting for comparable semesters. These rates were highest among first-year residents (31% and 62%) and lowest for final-year residents (6% and 26%) Regarding clinical activity, 62% planned to work full-time, with rates ranging from 53% to 62% depending on the year of internship. The proportion of women considering part-time or 80% time work was slightly higher than that of men (men: 23% part-time, 70% full-time, 7% unsure vs. women: 38% part-time, 54% full-time, 7% unsure; p = 0.10). A private practice was desired by 11%, ranging from 7% to 18% depending on the year residency and significantly more common among men (17% vs. 4% for women, p=0.003). Conclusion: Career and practice aspirations became clearer during residency, with fewer residents uncertain about their choices at the end. No significant gender differences were observed in terms of academic career or full-time practice. More than a quarter of final-year residents were considering research activities. A male predominance was observed regarding private practice.

Keywords: career choice, radiation oncology resident, gender