Journal Article DKFZ-2025-01115

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png
Balancing barriers: Family, career, and gender equality in radiation oncology and radiation research-An interdisciplinary prospective survey among the young workforce.

 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;

2025
Springer Medizin Heidelberg

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie nn, nn () [10.1007/s00066-025-02402-2]
 GO

Abstract: There is an urgent need to recruit and retain young professionals in radiation oncology and radiation research as the healthcare system faces major challenges. Our study investigated the experiences and needs of young professionals in this field, focusing on the impact of unpaid care work and gender-related issues.A web-based survey was created and distributed over a six-week period, featuring one general questionnaire along with three occupation-specific versions tailored for physicians, biologists, and medical physicists involved in radiation oncology and research.Most participants with care responsibilities have temporary contracts, especially female physicians and biologists, while female medical physicists are more likely to hold permanent positions. Research is often conducted outside regular hours, with limited cover arrangements and part-time options varying by field. Key career risks include economic pressure, work-life balance, and uncertain contracts, with employees with care duties feeling less supported overall. In addition, men seem to be more involved in care work and thus face unique challenges, such as insufficient career support and fears of poor future perspective. The study emphasizes the need for strategies to address relevant issues, such as flexible working arrangements, better mentoring support, and clear substitution policies that can ensure that young professionals can balance caring responsibilities with work and career demands.Addressing these challenges is critical for sustaining a diverse and qualified workforce in radiation oncology and radiation research, ensuring excellence in patient care and scientific progress.

Keyword(s): Gender ; Parity ; Radiation oncology ; Survey ; Young workforce

Classification:

Note: epub

Contributing Institute(s):
  1. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle Berlin (BE01)
  2. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle Essen/Düsseldorf (ED01)
Research Program(s):
  1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2025
Database coverage:
Medline ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection
Click to display QR Code for this record

The record appears in these collections:
Document types > Articles > Journal Article
Public records
Publications database

 Record created 2025-05-30, last modified 2025-05-31



Rate this document:

Rate this document:
1
2
3
 
(Not yet reviewed)