Declining research interest among oncology residents: insights into the academic career from a nationwide longitudinal study in France

TL;DR

French oncology residents show declining interest in research and academic careers over time due to lack of time, mentorship, and funding.

Contribution

Longitudinal insights into the academic career trajectory of French oncology residents reveal a significant decline in research interest and academic aspirations.

Findings

Research interest dropped from 79.4% in 2020 to 63.3% in 2023.

Interest in MSc and PhD programs decreased by over 50% during residency.

Lack of time, mentorship, and financial support were the main barriers to academic engagement.

Abstract

Oncology demands both high-quality clinical care and continuous research innovation. Yet, sustaining an academic workforce remains a challenge. Although prior studies have explored residents' motivations, longitudinal insights into their evolving academic interests are lacking.

We conducted a nationwide, longitudinal survey of French oncology residents (2020-2023), targeting first-year cohorts annually. The study included residents from both medical oncology and radiation oncology. The 42-item questionnaire assessed academic aspirations, research involvement, clinical workload, and career priorities.

Among 498 eligible residents, 377 responded (75.7%). Over time, interest in research declined (79.4% in 2020 versus 63.3% in 2023, P < 0.05), as did intentions to pursue Master of Science (MSc) (32.3% versus 17.4%) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs (17.6% versus 7.3%). Notably, access to supervised research time improved (22.6% to 37.4%, P < 0.05), yet scientific society memberships fell (43.5% to 25.2%). Of residents responding more than once (n = 54), 44.4% abandoned PhD aspirations. Key barriers included lack of time (65.1%), mentorship (44.1%), and financial support (31.6%).

Our findings reveal a worrying decline in academic engagement among French oncology residents, echoing global trends. Addressing this requires structured mentorship, protected research time, and flexible academic pathways to sustain the clinician-scientist pipeline.

•Longitudinal survey of 377 French oncology residents (2020-2023).•Research motivation declined from 79% to 63% over 4 years.•MSc and PhD interest dropped by half during residency training.•Mentorship, time, and funding identified as main barriers.

Longitudinal survey of 377 French oncology residents (2020-2023).

Research motivation declined from 79% to 63% over 4 years.

MSc and PhD interest dropped by half during residency training.

Mentorship, time, and funding identified as main barriers.

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