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Barriers and Equity in Training and Career Opportunities in Surgical Oncology

This anonymous international survey explores access, equity, and inclusion in surgical oncology training and career development.
We aim to understand whether gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background influence access to training, mentorship, and leadership positions in surgical oncology.

Estimated time: 5-10 minutes
🧩 Section 1 – Background information
1.What is your gender identity?
2.What is your age group?
3.Have you completed your medical studies?
4.Have you completed or are you currently in residency?
5.If yes, where did you complete (or where are you completing) your residency?
6.In which country did you complete (or are you completing) your residency?
7.How many years are you post-residency / in independent practice?
8.Which region best represents your current training or practice location?
9.In which country are you currently training or practicing?
10.What is your current professional status?
11.What is your primary institutional setting?
12.Are you currently working in active patient care?
🔬 Section 2 – Career Interests and Surgical Oncology Training Pathways
13.Which surgical oncology field do you currently work in or aim to pursue?
14.In your country, is surgical oncology a distinct recognized specialty/subspecialty, or is it mainly incorporated into another specialty?
15.If surgical oncology training exists in your country, what is it usually called?
16.Are there structured and officially recognized surgical oncology training programs in your country (e.g., accredited by the Medical Council or a national regulatory authority)?
17.If yes, is there a limit on the number of training positions available per year?
18.If yes, what is the cost of the program, and how would you define it.
19.If yes, what are the entry requirements for access to the program?
20.How competitive is access to this program?
21.What determines selection into the program? (Select all that apply)
22.Which areas are typically considered separate from general surgical oncology in your country? (Select all that apply)
23.How would you evaluate the possibility to pursue fellowships in foreign country?
🧬 Section 3 – Structure of Surgical Oncology Training
24.What organ systems are under the purview of Surgical Oncology in your training programme? (Select all that apply)
25.During your Surgical Oncology training, how was mentorship structured?
26.Are there parallel or competing fellowships overlapping with Surgical Oncology training in your country?
27.Did you undergo any further organ-specific fellowship after completing Surgical Oncology training?
28.If yes, Which fellowship did you pursue?
🧠 Section 4 – Training access in Surgical Oncology
29.How accessible are training opportunities in surgical oncology in your country?
30.Have you personally faced challenges accessing surgical oncology training?
31.If yes, what were the main barriers? (Select all that apply)
32.How would you rate mentorship availability in surgical oncology?
33.Do you believe gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background affect access to surgical fellowships or opportunities?
🏥 Section 5 – Career Progression and Workplace Equity
34.After completion of Surgical Oncology training, what type of healthcare setting do you work in?
35.Can your local cancer centre support multiple organ-specific surgeons?
36.Have you ever had an application for a cancer center position denied due to lack of an organ-specific fellowship or degree?
37.Have you ever been discouraged from pursuing surgical oncology due to perceived barriers (e.g., gender roles, family burden, financial issues)?
38.In your opinion, what most influences career advancement in your field?
39.Does your institution promote equity and diversity in leadership positions?
40.How confident do you feel about achieving your desired position within the next 5 years
💰 Section 6 – Socioeconomic and Institutional Factors
41.How would you describe your socioeconomic background at the start of medical training
42.Have financial limitations restricted your participation in surgical courses, observerships, or conferences?
43.Does your institution offer scholarships or travel grants for surgical oncology training or conferences?
44.To what extent do you think socioeconomic disparities influence surgical oncology career progression?
⭐ Section 7 – Expectations Regarding Surgical Oncology Training
45.Which of the following components do you consider important and/or would like to be included in a surgical oncology training program? (Select up to three)
🌍 Section 8 – Perception and Future Directions
46.Do you believe diversity and inclusion initiatives in surgical oncology are sufficient?
47.Which actions should be prioritized to improve equity and access in surgical oncology? (Select up to 3)
48.How do you expect your professional situation to evolve after completing (or progressing in) surgical oncology training?
49.How do you expect your financial situation to evolve after completing (or progressing in) surgical oncology training?
50.Would you participate in a mentoring or diversity-support network for surgical oncology?
Thank you for your valuable contribution!
Your input helps promote fairness, mentorship, and equal opportunities across surgical oncology specialties. 🌎
Please share this survey with colleagues and trainees.