title: 2009 Canadian radiation oncology resident survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Statistics from the Canadian post-MD education registry show that numbers of Canadian radiation oncology (RO) trainees have risen from 62 in 1999 to approximately 150 per year between 2003 and 2009, contributing to the current perceived downturn in employment opportunities for radiation oncologists in Canada. When last surveyed in 2003, Canadian RO residents identified job availability as their main concern. Our objective was to survey current Canadian RO residents on their training and career plans.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trainees from the 13 Canadian residency programs using the national matching service were sought. Potential respondents were identified through individual program directors or chief resident and were e-mailed a secure link to an online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to report responses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The eligible response rate was 53% (83/156). Similar to the 2003 survey, respondents generally expressed high satisfaction with their programs and specialty. The most frequently expressed perceived weakness in their training differed from 2003, with 46.5% of current respondents feeling unprepared to enter the job market. 72% plan on pursuing a postresidency fellowship. Most respondents intend to practice in Canada. Fewer than 20% of respondents believe that there is a strong demand for radiation oncologists in Canada.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Respondents to the current survey expressed significant satisfaction with their career choice and training program. However, differences exist compared with the 2003 survey, including the current perceived lack of demand for radiation oncologists in Canada.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. debenham@ualberta.net
authors.forename: Brock
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Debenham
authors.forename: Robyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Banerjee
authors.forename: Alysa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fairchild
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dundas
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Trotter
authors.forename: Don
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D002321:Career Choice; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000193:education*; D013997:Time Factors; D000078329:Workforce; D055815:Young Adult