Career transitions and practice patterns among international medical graduates in oncology workforce: A US nationwide analysis.

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.9009
• Publication Date: 2025-05-28T14:39:22Z
• Authors: Jiazhang Xing; Qian Wang; Yixin Tang; Chuan Angel Lu; Fangyuan Chen; Arya Mariam Roy; Lei Deng; Karun Neupane; Fatemeh Ardeshir ...; Tanios S. Bekaii-...; Charu Aggarwal; Alfred Ian Lee; Taofeek K. Owonikoko; Mariana Chavez Ma...; Ziad Bakouny; Shipra Gandhi; Nazli Dizman; Toni K. Choueiri; Stuthi Perimbeti; Changchuan Jiang

9009 Background: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are a vital component of the US oncology workforce, representing nearly half practicing medical oncologists. However, systemic barriers may influence their career trajectories differently. Understanding these challenges is essential for addressing workforce disparities and optimizing cancer care delivery across diverse geographic regions. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional study 13,497 oncologists using 2024 Dec CMS Provider Dataset linked with 2023 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC). were identified by self-reported primary specialties, including Hematology/Oncology, Oncology, Hematopoietic Cell Transplant. Physicians categorized graduation origin (based on school), stage (early: 0–10 years, mid: 11–30 late: >30 years post-medical school graduation). The outcomes included practice at Main Campus NCI Designated Cancer Centers (as an indicator academic practice) geographical location (Metro, Non-Metro, Mixed). employed chi-squared tests statistical comparisons performed stratified analyses to evaluate transition patterns over time. Results: 6920 IMGs constituted 48.7% similar gender distributions between IMG non-IMG (37.9% vs 36.5% female, p=0.068). Notably, early less likely be (IMG non-IMGs: 8.2% 12.5%, p<0.001). Compared Non-IMGs, main campuses Center (19.9% vs. 27.7%, p<0.001), especially as advances (all p<0.01). (Table). had higher representation in non-metropolitan areas than non-IMGs (11.4% 9.1%, particularly late-career stages (14.7% 12.3%, p=0.033), indicating unique role serving underserved Conclusions: Our findings reveal that, NCI-Cancer colleagues. Meanwhile, disproportionately rural communities. Supporting pathways critical ensure balanced United States. Practice setting distribution affiliation among international graduates (USGs) stage. (N=6,577) Non-IMG (N=6,920) Other Metro Non-Metro/Mixed Total 19.9% 80.1% 27.7% 72.3% 88.6% 11.4% 90.9% 9.1% Career Stage Early (0-10y) 29.1% 70.9% 36.1% 63.9% 91.1% 8.9% 95.4% 4.6% Mid (11-30y) 21.3% 78.7% 28.8% 71.2% 90.1% 9.9% 91.6% 8.4% Senior (30+y) 15.0% 85.0% 22.0% 78.0% 85.3% 14.7% 87.7% 12.3%