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Trommer, M.* ; Grohmann, M.* ; Fabian, A.* ; Ehret, F.* ; Hess, J. ; Rückert, M.* ; Matschke, J.B.* ; Stefanowicz, S.* ; Rühle, A.* ; Ferdinandus, S.* ; Merten, R.* ; Besserer, A.* ; Schmidt, L.* ; Sperk, E.* ; Depardon, A.* ; Putz, F.* ; Petersen, C.* ; Haderlein, M.* ; Schröder, A.* ; Weissmann, T.* ; Deloch, L.*

Balancing barriers: Family, career, and gender equality in radiation oncology and radiation research-An interdisciplinary prospective survey among the young workforce.

Strahlenther. Onkol., DOI: 10.1007/s00066-025-02402-2 (2025)

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	Open Access Gold (Paid Option)

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PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

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Publication type Article: Journal article

Document type Scientific Article

Corresponding Author

Keywords Gender ; Parity ; Radiation Oncology ; Survey ; Young Workforce; Impact

ISSN (print) / ISBN 0179-7158

e-ISSN 1439-099X

Journal Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics

Publisher Urban & Vogel

Publishing Place Tiergartenstrasse 17, D-69121 Heidelberg, Germany

Non-patent literature Publications

Reviewing status Peer reviewed

Institute(s) Translational Metabolic Oncology (IDC-TMO)

Grants
Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research (IZKF) at the University Hospital of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Clinician Scientist Program of the Medical Faculty of the University of Leipzig
Koeln Fortune Program/Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne
BMBF