Most New Cancer Radiology Specialists Opt to Work in Urban Centers Over Rural Areas

A recent study conducted by Mount Sinai's Department of Radiation Oncology highlights a significant trend: the majority of newly trained radiation oncologists choose employment in large metropolitan areas rather than rural communities. Published in the latest edition of the International Journal of Radiation OncologyBiologyPhysics, the research suggests this pattern may pose challenges for residents in less populated regions seeking timely and quality cancer treatment.

Led by Dr. Kunal Sindhu, an Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai, the research team analyzed employment data of radiation oncology residency graduates from 2015 to 2022. Their findings revealed that only 4.3% of these new specialists initially took jobs in rural counties, with most of these positions located near urban centers. This inclination towards urban employment is influenced by factors such as higher population densities, increased household incomes, more healthcare facilities, and a greater number of primary care physicians in these areas.

"Cancer affects individuals everywhere, not just in big cities," stated Dr. Sindhu. "It’s essential to ensure that patients in rural and underserved areas have access to high-quality care without the burden of long-distance travel."

The study emphasizes that new radiation oncologists tend to prefer settings with existing robust healthcare resources. The team, which included medical student Catherine Yu, plans to expand their research to include all practicing radiation oncologists in rural areas, aiming to understand the motivations and barriers influencing their choices. Ultimately, their goal is to develop strategies that encourage more doctors to serve in underserved communities, thereby improving access to essential cancer treatments.

If the current trend persists, rural populations risk facing increased treatment delays, limited options, and longer travel times to access care. The researchers hope their findings will inform healthcare policymakers and administrators on how to better support and incentivize medical professionals to practice in these areas, helping bridge the gap in cancer care access.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-cancer-radiology-specialists-big-cities.html