A survey of radiation oncologists regarding their radiation physics instruction

Abstract

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine, Committee on Training of Radiologists conducted a survey of radiation oncologists requesting information regarding their radiation oncology physics training. General questions were asked of the oncologist regarding their radiation oncology practice such as number of oncologists, number of new patients treated, and the size and type of facility in which the practice is located. The oncologist also responded to questions regarding their educational background. The survey requested the radiation oncologists to answer questions regarding the adequacy and importance of their training in specific areas of radiation physics. The responders indicated that the importance of most physics topics in their clinical practice corresponded to the level of their understanding. The survey indicated that for most radiation oncologists their physics instruction was an important and interesting part of their residency program.