Post-residency career intentions among oncology and related specialty residents in Armenia.

Abstract

e21012 Background: In Armenia, postgraduate training for Medical, Radiation, and Surgical oncology is delivered through a single centralized department. Ongoing reforms transition the system towards a fellowship-style model consisting of one year of internal medicine followed by three years of oncology-focused specialty training. However, residency training remains fee-based, with no financial remuneration. This study aimed to assess post-residency career intentions among Armenian residents in oncology and related specialties. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Yerevan State Medical University residents training in Oncology and related specialties (i.e., Pathology, Gynecology Oncology, Thoracic and Abdominal Surgery, and Radiology). Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected from December 16, 2025, to January 26, 2026, via an e-survey and administered through Google forms, adapted from Tomas Ferreira et al. (2023). Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: In total, 51 residents were enrolled (M:F=1:2.4). Median age was 25 years (range 24–31). Most respondents were from the capital (76%). At the time of the survey, 52.9% were employed: 29.4% in clinical work and 5.9% in research; 17.6% were involved in non-medical activities. Residents in oncology, pathology, and surgery accounted for 62.7%, 11.8%, and 25.5%, respectively, and 44.4% of residents from other specialties reported plans to pursue this specialty. Overall, 90.2% saw their future in clinical practice, while smaller proportions planned careers in healthcare management (7.8%) or research (2.0%); all planned to obtain a second specialty qualification. Low salary and work–life balance were rated as important or very important reasons for leaving clinical practice. The desire to leave clinical practice differed significantly by specialty (p=0.013), with pathologists more often preferring a clinical setting. Most respondents were confident in their specialty choice (66.6%: very certain 51.0%, somewhat certain 15.7%), and 70.6% planned to practice in Armenia. Among those planning to leave, competitive salary (100%) and higher quality training (66.6%) were the main factors. Work–life balance (66.7%), family abroad (100%), and shorter training duration (66.6%) were reported as less important. Overall, 66.7% of those planning to leave reported no intention to return to Armenia after completing training. Conclusions: According to the study results, the majority of the respondents were planning to practice Oncology in Armenia. However, one of the most important factors contributing to the termination of medical practice or leaving Armenia was low or absence of revenue. Hence, interventions are required to ensure long-term specialty retention among young specialists.