[Training in radiation oncology in Germany. Current status and necessary developments].

BACKGROUND AND
PURPOSE: A sufficient number of well-trained specialists in radiation oncology is needed for an adequate supply in radiation oncology. Therefore, the training in radiation oncology is of utmost importance. This requirement is faced with a growing lack of physicians in Germany. The aim of this study was to characterize the current situation of radiation oncology training in Germany and to work out proposals to avoid a lack of radiotherapists.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In summer 2008, 233 questionnaires were sent out to potential trainers in radiation oncology in Germany. The questions included, among others, the individual training situation and problems in finding physicians. A second questionnaire was addressed to trainees in radiation oncology and contained, e.g., questions regarding satisfaction, motivation for the choice of radiation oncology, a previous work in another discipline, and future perspectives.
RESULTS: Answers were obtained from 107 supervisor physicians of whom 84.1% had the permission to employ trainees in radiation oncology. The finding of new trainees provided large problems in 47.1%; 35.3% had few and 17.6% no problems. For specialists in radiation oncology, 47.2% reported large, 26.4% few and 26.4% no problems in finding candidates. 113 trainees answered the questionnaires. Almost half of them (46.9%) had previously worked in another discipline. The majority was quite (44.2%) or fully (46.0%) satisfied with their job, 84.1% stated good up to excellent future perspectives. The vast majority (88.5%) would decide for a training in radiation oncology again.
CONCLUSION: Trainees in radiation oncology in Germany are satisfied with their training, see good future perspectives and would again decide to do their training in radiation oncology. However, there are large problems in finding candidates for open jobs. A positive promotion is recommended to face these problems.