Identifying Key Contributing Factors to the Oncology Workforce Shortage

Julie Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO, explains that a combination of the growing US population and the increasing rate of clinicians reporting burnout and retiring early are major factors contributing to the current oncology workforce shortage.

Gralow, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), discusses 2 surveys conducted by ASCO in 2013¹ and 2023² that examined professional well-being, job satisfaction, and career plans among oncologists in the US. Comparing the results of these surveys, Gralow highlights a significant rise in dissatisfaction regarding professional well-being and an increase in clinicians reporting 1 or more symptoms of burnout.

The 2023 survey also revealed a primary cause of clinician dissatisfaction and burnout. When asked about the top factor contributing to their joy, 2-thirds of clinicians said speaking with and advising patients. Gralow points out that reduced time spent with patients and on building the patient-clinician relationship is a major contributor to the shortage. This reduction in time is largely driven by increasing administrative burdens, such as payment processing and electronic health record data entry, she explains.

Although slots for new trainees have no trouble being filled, Gralow notes that this does not fully address the issue. “The number of new trainees would be adequate if not for the trend that started before the COVID-19 pandemic—and was exacerbated by it—of burnout causing clinicians to reduce or close their clinical practices earlier than they would have otherwise,” she states.

A possible increase in training slots may help, but Gralow believes the key lies in ensuring that clinicians nearing retirement remain satisfied with their professional well-being and job satisfaction.

References

1. Shanafelt TD, Gradishar WJ, Kosty M, et al. Burnout and career satisfaction among US oncologists. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(7):678-686. doi:10.1200/JCO.2013.51.8480

2. Schenkel C, Levit LA, Kirkwood K, et al. State of professional well-being, satisfaction, and career plans among US oncologists in 2023. JCO Oncol Adv. 2025;2(2). doi: 10.1200/oa.24.00010