Poland faces shortage of 500 oncologists as residency slots go unfilled

Poland's oncology workforce is critically understaffed, with a shortfall of 500 specialists. Only 19 applicants applied for 143 clinical oncology residency positions in spring, and nearly one-third of trainees drop out, indicating a systemic recruitment and retention failure. This threatens cancer care capacity and may drive longer wait times and poorer outcomes, though the immediate market impact is limited.