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Background <p>Medical oncology is a young specialty in Romania, where early-career oncologists face challenges related to training, mentorship, and research. This study explored their professional status and needs to inform workforce development.</p> Methods <p>An online survey was conducted between February and April 2025 among physicians under 40 years of age who were members of the Romanian National Society of Medical Oncology (SNOMR). The questionnaire (60 items) covered demographics, employment, mentorship, research, and professional development. Descriptive analysis was performed.</p> Results <p>Of 456 eligible members, 169 responded (response rate: 37%). Most were residents based in oncology institutes or university hospitals. Job insecurity was common, with 57% on temporary contracts. Nearly all respondents (99%) had clinical duties, but only 21% engaged in research and 9% in teaching. Mentorship was inconsistently available (61% had a mentor), yet interest in structured programs was very high (88% for national and 87% for international initiatives). Research involvement was limited: 46% reported no activity, 85% lacked funding, and only 28% published in the past year. While over 80% expressed interest in fellowships or exchanges, only 16% had trained abroad. Most (85%) were ESMO members, but only half considered SNOMR support sufficient.</p> Conclusion <p>Young oncologists in Romania are motivated but face significant barriers, including job instability, insufficient mentorship, and limited research opportunities. Expanding structured mentorship, ensuring protected research time, and strengthening international mobility are essential. Recent SNOMR initiatives represent important first steps toward addressing these gaps.</p>

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Career challenges of young oncologists in Romania: a nationwide survey

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月20日

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  • Daniel Sur,
  • Cristina Lungulescu-Berisha,
  • Adelina Silvana Gheorghe,
  • Cristian Virgil Lungulescu,
  • Stefania Andreea Toma,
  • Eliza Maria Armeanu,
  • Raluca Ioana Mihaila,
  • Elena Adriana Iovanescu,
  • Irina Mihaela Croitoru-Cazacu,
  • Vlad Mihai Croitoru,
  • Radu Dragomir,
  • Amir Hubeishie,
  • Vlad Lupu,
  • Silvia Mosoiu,
  • Daniel Dulf,
  • Teodora Alexa-Stratulat,
  • Simona Ruxandra Volovăț,
  • Dana Lucia Stanculeanu,
  • Mihai Vasile Marinca,
  • Amedeia Nita,
  • Laurentia Gales,
  • Mircea Dragos Median,
  • Adina Croitoru,
  • Serban Negru,
  • Laura Mazilu,
  • Razvan-Ovidiu Curca,
  • Michael Schenker,
  • Vlad Adrian Afrasanie

摘要

Background

Medical oncology is a young specialty in Romania, where early-career oncologists face challenges related to training, mentorship, and research. This study explored their professional status and needs to inform workforce development.

Methods

An online survey was conducted between February and April 2025 among physicians under 40 years of age who were members of the Romanian National Society of Medical Oncology (SNOMR). The questionnaire (60 items) covered demographics, employment, mentorship, research, and professional development. Descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Of 456 eligible members, 169 responded (response rate: 37%). Most were residents based in oncology institutes or university hospitals. Job insecurity was common, with 57% on temporary contracts. Nearly all respondents (99%) had clinical duties, but only 21% engaged in research and 9% in teaching. Mentorship was inconsistently available (61% had a mentor), yet interest in structured programs was very high (88% for national and 87% for international initiatives). Research involvement was limited: 46% reported no activity, 85% lacked funding, and only 28% published in the past year. While over 80% expressed interest in fellowships or exchanges, only 16% had trained abroad. Most (85%) were ESMO members, but only half considered SNOMR support sufficient.

Conclusion

Young oncologists in Romania are motivated but face significant barriers, including job instability, insufficient mentorship, and limited research opportunities. Expanding structured mentorship, ensuring protected research time, and strengthening international mobility are essential. Recent SNOMR initiatives represent important first steps toward addressing these gaps.