ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S2211

Interdisciplinary – Education in radiation oncology

ESTRO 2025

Material/Methods: Young ESTRO members developed a questionnaire with 30 items evaluating motivations for choosing RO, perceived challenges, and their experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The survey was distributed online to junior doctors and RO specialists from twelve European countries between April 2023 and November 2024. This analysis focuses on DEI-related findings. Results: Among 412 respondents, the largest proportions were from Italy (29%), France (25,7%), Poland (12.1%) and Germany (11.2%). Participants were primarily residents (65.7%), equally distributed by gender (52% female, 47% male, and 1% preferred not to disclose). Resident with 3 years validated (29%) and Hospital practitioners (27%) comprised the majority. Twenty-four percent hesitate to express a contrary opinion without fear of negative consequences. While half had mentors of the same ethnicity, only 30% felt supported in their careers. Overall, the majority of the participants thought they were included regardless of their gender or ethnicity (96%), did not feel the need to give up their identity (97%), and reported having at least one supportive colleague (86%). However, when an issue existed, it was more probably experienced by a female RO than a male: unfair treatment (20% vs 8%, p=0.0001), gender-related lack of trust from patients (15% vs 5%, p< 0.001), or having their opinions minimized because of their gender (15% vs 6%, p=0.001). Agreement on equitable career opportunities regardless of gender, origin, or sexual orientation had values ranging from 22% in Italy to 50% in Switzerland. Formal support mechanisms for underrepresented resident physicians or confidential channels for reporting DEI-related incidents were absent or suboptimal in 68% of cases. Conclusion: Early-career radiation oncologists from European countries identified important DEI-related disparities in their clinical practice. Female ROs in the study group faced more challenges related to trust, respect, and appreciation. Most surveyed RO perceive a lack of support in their career, and some hesitate to express their disagreement. Addressing these concerns through targeted policies – such as mentorship programs, equitable compensation frameworks, and transparent DEI reporting systems – could enhance job satisfaction and workplace culture.

Keywords: Radiation oncology , Diversity and equity, Europe