Gap in Satisfaction and Care Between Urban and Rural Oncologists

A recent survey released by the Oncology World Congress showed that oncologists practicing in suburban and rural areas are less satisfied with their access to drugs, technologies, and trials as compared with oncologists who practice in urban/metropolitan areas. Dr. Waun Ki Hong, Oncology World Congress chair, said, “With an estimated 90% of US oncology care performed outside of academic cancer centers, community oncologists are in crucial need of timely information on
research advances and emerging technologies, as well as greater access to clinical trials and new therapies.” According to the survey, 41% of the physicians polled in both urban and rural settings say that issues with standard health coverage and Medicare present the greatest limitations to effective treatment. The gap in satisfaction and care between urban and rural oncologists will be one of the issues addressed by Dr. Hong and more than 170 colleagues at the Oncology World Congress Meeting, scheduled to take place November 16–19, 2005 in New York City.