Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2022 Workforce Census

Abstract

Introduction

This paper reports the key findings of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2022 workforce census. This is the first census since the COVID-19 pandemic and questions have been updated to assess the impact on RANZCR trainees and fellows. This report focuses on the analysis of respondents from Australia, New Zealand and overseas members, with a separate paper to follow focusing exclusively on New Zealand respondents.

Method

The census was conducted in mid-late 2022 with many questions repeated from previous censuses. New questions were asked about theranostics, working remotely, hypofractionation and the impact of COVID-19 on work practices.

Results

The census was sent to 591 radiation oncologists with an overall response rate of 52%. Almost half of respondents (n = 94/210; 45%) indicated that COVID-19 had no impact on the uptake of hypofractionation. Hypofractionation was most used by respondents in breast and prostate treatment (n = 134/200; 67% and n = 112/194; 58% respectively). Five respondents (n = 5/270; 2%) currently practise in theranostics, with the majority treating thyroid cancers within the public sector.

Just under half (n = 81/167; 49%) of invited trainees responded. The majority felt that COVID-19 had a negative impact on their training. There has been a decrease in the number of new fellows seeking to complete further fellowships. Employment remains at very high levels for new fellows ( > 98%).

Conclusion

The impact of COVID-19 on local practices and workloads was not as significant as seen overseas. There continues to be an increasing trend of radiation oncologists working in the private sector. The lack of indigenous representation within our profession continues to be an area that needs further attention.