A Survey Study of Female Radiation Oncology Residents' Experiences to Inform Change.

Of 170 female residents surveyed, 125 responded (74% response rate). Over one-quarter were in programs with ≤2 female residents (29%) and ≤2 female attendings (29%). A third (34%) reported having children. Over half (51%) reported that lack of mentorship affected career ambitions. Over half (52%) agreed that gender-specific bias existed in their programs, and over a quarter (27%) reported they had experienced unwanted sexual comments, attention or advances by a superior or colleague. Only 5% reported no symptoms of burnout. Almost all (95%) agreed that radiation oncology is perceived as family-friendly, however only 52% agreed that it actually is. An overwhelming majority (90%) expressed interest in joining a professional group for women in radiation oncology CONCLUSIONS: In the first study to our knowledge to focus specifically on the experiences of women residents in radiation oncology, a number of areas for potential improvement were highlighted, including isolation and under-representation, mentorship needs, bias and harassment, and numerous other gender-based obstacles, including need for support during pregnancy and motherhood. These findings support the organization of groups such as the Society of Women in Radiation Oncology, which seeks to target these needs in order to promote gender equity.