Female Representation in the Academic Oncology Physician Workforce: Radiation Oncology Losing Ground to Hematology-Oncology

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2017
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Awad A. Ahmed, Wei-Ting Hwang, Emma B. Holliday, Christina H. Chapman, Reshma Jagsi, Charles R. Thomas, Curtiland Deville
PurposeOur purpose was to assess comparative female representation trends for trainees and full-time faculty in the US academic Radiation- and Hematology-Oncology workforce over three decades.Methods and MaterialsSimple linear regression models with year as the independent variable were used to determine changes in female percentage representation per year and associated 95% confidence intervals for trainees and full-time faculty in each specialty.ResultsPeak representation was 48.4% (801/1654) in 2013 for Hematology-Oncology trainees, 39.0% (585/1499) in 2014 for Hematology-Oncology full-time faculty, 34.8% (202/581) in 2007 for Radiation-Oncology trainees, and 27.7% (439/1584) in 2015 for Radiation-Oncology full-time faculty. Representation significantly increased for trainees and full-time faculty in both specialties at approximately 1%/yr for Hematology-Oncology trainees and full-time faculty and 0.3%/yr for Radiation-Oncology trainees and full-time faculty. Compared to Radiation-Oncology, the rates were 3.84 and 2.94 times greater for Hematology-Oncology trainees and full-time faculty, respectively.ConclusionDespite increased female trainee and full-time faculty representation over time in the academic oncology physician workforce, Radiation Oncology is lagging behind Hematology-Oncology with trainees declining in recent years in Radiation Oncology suggesting a de-facto ceiling in female representation. Whether such issues as delayed or insufficient exposure, inadequate mentorship, or specialty competitiveness disparately affect female representation in Radiation Oncology compared to Hematology-Oncology are under-explored and require continued investigation to ensure that the future oncologic physician workforce reflects the diversity of the population it serves.



http://ift.tt/2lrAS5p