Inspiring the next generation of medical oncologists: Passion, purpose, and preventing burnout.

9015 Background: The National Cancer Registry of Ireland projects a doubling of cancer incidence by 2045, with an estimated shortfall of over 100 medical oncologists by 2028. This workforce gap is compounded by rising burnout, with ASCO data showing an increase in oncologists reporting at least one burnout symptom from 34% to 59% over the past decade. Alongside sustained investment in training and recruitment, addressing burnout is essential. This study aimed to identify factors influencing career interest in medical oncology and to explore perceived barriers, informing recruitment strategies and burnout mitigation. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous electronic survey assessed interest in medical oncology among medical students, interns, and junior doctors. The 20-item questionnaire examined demographics, career preferences, oncology exposure, and perceived barriers. A separate 28-item follow-up survey evaluated burnout among Irish medical oncologists and trainees. Results: A total of 183 early-career respondents participated (62.3% female). A response rate of 73%, respectively. Most were aged 25–34 years (69.4%), with junior residents comprising the largest group (42.6%). Key motivators for considering oncology included interest in cancer biology and treatment (54.9%), caring for cancer patients (53.2%), managing complex multidisciplinary cases (52.4%), and the dynamic nature of the specialty (51.6%). Personal experience with cancer did not influence career choice for 54%. Deterrents included high patient mortality and emotional burden (71.6%), concerns regarding burnout and work–life balance (57.5%), and prolonged training (36.1%). Oncology exposure was limited, with 38.5% reporting none; exposure most commonly occurred during junior residency (34.3%) and centered on palliative care, systemic therapies, and chemotherapy. Access to mentorship (73.8%) and increased clinical or research opportunities (62.3%) were identified as key factors to enhance recruitment. Forty-one oncologists completed the burnout survey (responses on-going). Most were aged 35–44 years, female, and working in public hospitals, with 65.9% reporting weekly workloads of 50–59 hours. Over half reported burnout at least monthly, and 75.6% reported inadequate work–life balance. Major stressors included high clinical workload, administrative burden, lack of protected academic time, staffing shortages, and moral distress. Despite high professional satisfaction (82.9%), 43.9% had considered reducing hours or leaving practice due to work-related stress. Conclusions: Ireland faces a significant oncology workforce challenge. Early exposure, structured mentorship, and targeted strategies to address workload and burnout are critical to strengthening recruitment and sustaining the oncology workforce.