Postgraduate training in radiation oncology in the United States, 1986.

The thirteenth survey of training in Radiation Oncology in the United States, conducted in the first half of 1986, revealed a reduction in the number of approved programs, but little change in the number of positions offered. For the first time, every program had trainees, and every available training position was filled. The proportion of foreign exchange students in training fell from 52% 20 years ago, to 12% a decade later, to less than 1% at present. The proportion of foreign medical graduates fell from 29% in 1984 to 18% at present. The proportion of women in residency remained unchanged from 1982 and 1984. Approximately 150 physicians can be expected to complete training and enter the practice of radiation oncology each year for at least the next 4 years.