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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Onset on the Early Careers of Pediatric Oncology Health Professionals and Researchers: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group Young Investigators Committee, Young SIOP Network, and Young SIOPE.

Authors :
Bryan G
Guolla L
Villanueva GI
Cohen-Gogo S
Casanovas A
Medina R
Revon-Riviere G
Coltin H
Kahalley LS
Withycombe JS
van Ewijk R
Schoot RA
Cash T
Baertschiger RM
McAleer MF
Benedetti DJ
Greengard E
Kitko CL
Green AL
Dhall G
Esbenshade AJ
Source :
Pediatric blood & cancer [Pediatr Blood Cancer] 2025 Jan; Vol. 72 (1), pp. e31419. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Nov 06.
Publication Year :
2025

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic onset had a global debilitating impact on individuals and on burgeoning careers. In 2021, the Children's Oncology Group Young Investigators Committee, Young SIOP (International Society of Paediatric Oncology) Network, and Young SIOPE (European Society for Paediatric Oncology) co-sponsored a survey to explore the impacts of the first year of the pandemic on early-career pediatric oncology professionals with respect to working practices, productivity, professional and career development, personal wellbeing, and changing childcare needs.<br />Methods: The survey comprised demographic, multiple-choice, and free-text questions, and was distributed via email and social media with English, French, and Spanish versions available. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to compare quantitative data by self-designated gender and country of origin. Qualitative data were described using content analysis.<br />Results: Professionals (N = 499, 26.3% male, 77.2% MDs) in 48 countries (77.6% high income) responded in English (79.4%), Spanish (12.4%), and French (8.2%). Respondents had difficulty obtaining and keeping jobs (26.9%), worsened overall academic productivity (50.7%, with higher rates among bench scientists, p < 0.01), and decreased career opportunities (40.9%). Childcare challenges impacted 56.7% of respondents and was felt more negatively among women (p = 0.008) and in high-income settings (p < 0.0001). Qualitative data (n = 300) highlighted these differences were often attributable to diminished professional/personal boundaries and impacted their personal wellbeing.<br />Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted early-career academic and clinical professionals working in pediatric oncology, with unique challenges noted among those with childcare responsibilities. Career disruptions that resulted from the pandemic should be considered and mitigated by governing bodies and hiring institutions.<br /> (© 2024 The Author(s). Pediatric Blood & Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1545-5017
Volume :
72
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Pediatric blood & cancer
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39502016
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.31419