The need to develop the career pathway in oncology as an opportunity to improve the satisfaction of young oncologists in Spain: A national survey by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) + mir section.

Authors

Pablo Jiménez Labaig, Sr

Pablo Jiménez Labaig

Department of Medical Oncology. Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain

Pablo Jiménez Labaig , Domingo Antonio Sánchez , Andrea Sesma , Alicia Quilez , Vilma Pacheco Barcia , Berta Obispo , David Paez , Maria Teresa Quintanar , Manuel Sánchez-Cánovas , Noelia Tarazona , Ana Fernandez Montes , Enriqueta Felip , Alvaro Rodriguez-Lescure , Elena Elez

Organizations

Department of Medical Oncology. Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology. Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology, Clinico Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology, Can Misses Hospital, Ibiza, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology. "Gómez Ulla" Military Hospital, Madrid, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology. Infanta Leonor University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology. Santa Creu i Sant Pau University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology. Elche General Hospital, Elche, Spain, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Morales Meseguer University Hospital, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain, Department of Medical Oncology. Ourense University Hospital, Ourense, Spain, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Medical Oncology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), Barcelona, Spain, Alicante University Hospital, Elche, Spain

Research Funding

Other

Background: A long-term planning of the oncologists’ career path is essential to approach the continuous changes in the oncology field given the need of further subspecialization after the training period. Our aim is to evaluate the current professional development of young medical oncologists in Spain and seek improvement strategies to enhance their careers in order to guarantee commitment with research and improve in patient care and outcomes. Methods: The SEOM +MIR Section launched a national online survey in May 2021 aimed at young medical oncology consultants (<6 years of experience) and last year medical oncology residents. Spanish professionals were invited to participate via email through the SEOM database. A descriptive analysis was performed using R software v4.1.2. Results: A total of 162 responses were eligible. 103 (64%) were women. 129 (80%) were consultants and 33 (20%) were residents. 92 (68%) performed standard clinical care and 11 (7%) research activity. 118 (73%) were subspecialized in a main area of interest and almost half of them, 70 (59%), chose it because it was the only option available after finishing residency. 87 (54%) had considered different employment opportunities other than standard clinical care and 38 (23%) showed an interest in enhancing their research activity. 141 (87%) showed relevant concern about their employment stability (table attached). 82 (51%) had considered working abroad: 33 (44%) outside European Union. The main reasons were: 132 (81%) believed the professional standing in Spain was worse than other countries, 41 (25%) thought it might increase their professional development and 33 (20%) argued for better salary conditions abroad. Among them, 21 (13%) had signed at least 4 contracts and 66 (41%) had ≥5 employment contracts in the last 5 years. 27% of respondents indicated that the figure of the boss had been the most contributing professional in their professional career. The mentor (20%) and the tutor (18%) also stand out as relevant figures in terms of professional development. Up to 27% of the sample refers not to have obtained any help from the figures mentioned. Conclusions: An absence of engagement in the long-term career paths of young medical oncologists in Spain was observed. Research is not defined in the current early professional life. Furthermore, there is a lack of contractual quality and planning for the entry into the labour market of newly trained oncologists. The lack of such a career pathway has consequences that encourage the search for employment opportunities different from clinical care and in other countries.

Level of satisfaction of young oncologists with their job stability.

Level of concern of job stability
N
Percentage (%)
1
7
4.32%
2
2
1.23%
3
6
3.70%
4
6
3.70%
5
12
7.41%
6
6
3.70%
7
17
10.49%
8
21
12.96%
9
23
14.20%
10
62
38.27%
Total:
162100.00%

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2022 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Professional Development and Education Advances

Track

Medical Education and Professional Development

Sub Track

Education Research

Citation

J Clin Oncol 40, 2022 (suppl 16; abstr 11038)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2022.40.16_suppl.11038

Abstract #

11038

Poster Bd #

229

Abstract Disclosures

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