Oncology News Central (ONC)Young Oncologists Scared of Academia’s Demands: Expert Speaks Out

Academic Oncology’s Demands Deter New Graduates: Examining the Roots of Work-Life Imbalance in Hematology/Oncology

Recent hematology/oncology graduates are increasingly hesitant to pursue academic careers due to concerns about work-life balance, according to Dr. Samer A. Al’Hadidi, an assistant professor of hematology/oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Al’Hadidi highlights several factors contributing to this trend, including excessive publication requirements, tribalism in academia, redundant conference attendance, and inadequate mentoring practices.

Key Points:

• Young oncologists are avoiding academia due to concerns about excessive intrusion on personal and family time
• Excessive publication pressure has led to a focus on quantity over quality in academic output
• Tribalism in academia can limit opportunities for those who disagree with established groups
• Redundant conference requirements place undue strain on personal lives and family relationships
• Inadequate mentoring practices, including senior researchers’ reluctance to share the spotlight, discourage new talent
• These issues are particularly pronounced in hematology/oncology due to the rapid evolution of treatments and research demands
• Community oncology is less affected by these academic pressures but may face challenges in treating complex cases if academic centers are understaffed
• Dr. Al’Hadidi suggests a return to prioritizing quality over quantity in academic contributions

“We used to do this much better, and we can do it much better.”

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