A Narrative Review on Radiation Oncology Physician Well-Being in the United States

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To summarize articles reporting on burnout and well-being among attending and resident radiation oncologists in the United States in a narrative review. Methods: PubMed was searched for peer-reviewed articles from 2010 through 2023 reporting on burnout and well-being among radiation oncologists in the United States. Each study was critically reviewed and included if it reported primary data utilizing a validated tool to measure burnout among radiation oncologists. A subset of high-quality studies was included. Results: There are limited studies regarding burnout among radiation oncologists in the United States, especially when compared with data from other countries. Despite these limitations, there is a prevalence of burnout among radiation oncologists of all career stages, with rates of burnout ranging from 30% to 63%. A few smaller studies have explored interventions to decrease burnout and enhance professional fulfillment among radiation oncologists. Best practices to enhance professional fulfillment for radiation oncologists include optimizing support structures to alleviate physicians of administrative duties; including physicians in departmental decisions that affect their work; providing dedicated time for research; promoting work-life balance and job satisfaction; providing support for trainees, including psychological tool-focused approaches and humanities exercises; and encouraging mindfulness. Conclusions: A large cross-sectional study is warranted to further explore modern burnout rates and causes among radiation oncologists in the United States. This may inform areas of advocacy to improve professional fulfillment among radiation oncologists.