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Emory University

Radiation Oncologists Workforce Dynamics in the United States: Consistency in Supply Estimates

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers have published a new study on the workforce dynamics of radiation oncologists in the United States, highlighting the importance of an accurate accounting of the current number of practicing radiation oncologists. The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Workforce Committee reviewed and evaluated multiple approaches in assessing the radiation oncology workforce supply, including the pros and cons of each approach, while comparing supply estimates in order to define a recommended standard for assessing the RO workforce supply. The study found substantial consistency in results across methods, with unfiltered data sets consistently reporting higher estimates due to inclusion of ROs not actively practicing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The current number of practicing radiation oncologists (ROs) in the United States is critical to understanding workforce dynamics in the field.
  • Multiple approaches are available to assess the radiation oncology (RO) workforce supply, including using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the American Medical Association, and/or the American Association of Medical Colleges.
  • The ASTRO-sponsored Health Management Associates Workforce Analysis and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) approach used multiple data sources, with the ASCO approach including the American Medical Association and CMS data sources.
  • Limitations of each approach are reflective of the data sources used, including an inability to capture all physicians, a lack of routine updating, and/or a lag-time in incorporating entrants to and exits from the workforce.
  • The assessments across methods demonstrated substantial consistency in results, with unfiltered data sets consistently reporting higher estimates due to inclusion of ROs not actively practicing.
  • For example, in 2023, filtered estimates ranged from 4935 (ASCO) to 5072 (American Association of Medical Colleges), whereas in 2024, the estimates ranged from 4992 (ASCO) to 5103 (CMS) ROs.
  • Using the ASCO model, the research estimates a total of 5100 ROs in 2024, accounting for Veterans Affairs and pediatric-only ROs, understanding this may not account for nonclinical ROs.
  • The ASTRO Workforce Committee recommends applying a similar methodology to that in use by ASCO for RO workforce supply assessments.

Statistics:

  • 5100: Estimated total number of ROs in 2024 using the ASCO model.
  • 3.0%: Mean maximum difference in results across methods.
  • 2.2%-5.0%: Range of maximum difference in results across methods.
  • 4935: Low estimate of ROs in 2023 using the ASCO method.
  • 5072: High estimate of ROs in 2023 using the American Association of Medical Colleges method.
  • 4992: Low estimate of ROs in 2024 using the ASCO method.
  • 5103: High estimate of ROs in 2024 using the CMS method.

Sources:

  • Defining the Supply of Radiation Oncologists in the United States: An American Society for Radiation Oncology Workforce Report. International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, 2025.
  • International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.
  • NewsRx. Reports Outline Information Technology Study Findings from Emory University (Defining the Supply of Radiation Oncologists in the United States: An American Society for Radiation Oncology Workforce Report). Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 641.

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