Snapshot of a Specialty: Results of the ABR 2016 Radiation Oncology Clinical Practice Analysis

Purpose: Beginning in 2010, the ABR has administered triennial clinical practice analysis surveys to inform examination development volunteers and staff about the actual state of radiation oncology practice.

Methods and materials: As reported here, the 2016 survey was designed to provide objective data regarding actual patient volumes of specific disease sites and subjective insight as to the importance and relevance of site-specific therapy to individual practices.

Results: The survey instrument was circulated to 4,075 radiation oncologists listed in the membership database of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and responses were received from 690 (16.9%); a total of 287 (41.5%) self-identified as being in academic practice. Even in the academic setting, a majority (216 of 287, or 75.3%) indicated that they spend most of their time in clinical practice.

Conclusions: Data from the survey are informative regarding changes in the practice of radiation oncology over the past 6 years.