A snapshot of residents in medical oncology in Turkey: A Nationwide survey on profile and key problems

Aim: The aim of this study is to be informed about demographic features, the reasons for preferring medical oncology, career plans, and the educational problems of the residents training in the subspecialty of medical oncology. Method: The responses to questionnaire forms sent by e-mail to subspecialty residents who are continuing their training in different educational institutions of our country were recorded and analyzed. Results: Seventynine of 129 residents (61.2%) responded the survey forms. Median age of the participants was 33 years. Thirty six (45.5%) were female, and 43 (54.5%) were male. The responders stated different reasons for their preference of medical oncology but most of them (n:64, 81%) thought that medical oncology has a bright future. Of them, 38 (48.1%) the responders intended to refrain from their medical conscription was their most important concern. Fiftytwo (65.8%) of them were not satisfied much with their present education and academic activities. Sixtynine (87.3%) of the participants indicated that they had been suffering from the symptoms of burnout syndrome. Conclusion: Recognition of the subspecialty residents who are the future of medical oncology, and determination of their needs, and problems will contribute to the development of recommendations for their solution. In our country their main problems are medical conscription, inadequate education, and burnout.