Results of the 2020-2023 Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology Graduating Resident Survey: Job Search Experience and Satisfaction.

Abstract

Purpose: To better understand radiation oncology (RO) resident experiences navigating the job market, responses from the 2020-2023 ARRO Graduating Resident Surveys were analyzed and compared.

Methods/materials: All identified postgraduate year five (PGY5) RO residents in the United States were sent a 50-58 question survey in May of their respective graduating year. Responses were collected in a de-identified database. Descriptive statistics were generated. Univariable and Multivariable (MVA) logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of overall satisfaction/dissatisfaction with accepted position and agreement that the job market was tough.

Results: The aggregate response rate was 86.9%. Very few (0-1.8%) respondents did not have a signed offer at survey completion. The percentage who strongly agreed or agreed that the job market was "tough" was 39.3% in 2020, 69.9% in 2021, 25.7% in 2022, and 16.2% in 2023. The percentage of respondents who were strongly dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their accepted job position was 6.2% in 2020, 3.6% in 2021, 1.4% in 2022, and 0.6% in 2023. On MVA, significant predictors of feeling that the job search was not tough included year of job search (2020 [reference]; 2021 [OR 0.31, CI 0.17-0.57, p < 0.01]; 2022 [OR 2.68, CI 1.66-4.33, p < 0.01]; 2023 [OR 3.23, CI 2.02-5.17, p < 0.01) and satisfaction with one's residency program's mentorship in the job search (OR 1.69, CI 1.08-2.64, p = 0.02). On MVA, predictors of overall satisfaction with an accepted position included mentorship during the job search (OR 4.93, CI 2.45-9.93, p < 0.01) and practice setting (urban [reference]; rural [OR 0.29, CI 0.11-0.74, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The vast majority of graduating RO residents from 2020-2023 were satisfied with their accepted job offer. Perceptions of job market toughness declined precipitously over time after 2021. Residents who have strong mentorship and accepted positions in urban settings were the more likely to report accepted position satisfaction.