Purpose: Oncologists are predisposed to developing burnout syndrome. Like other health care professionals worldwide, oncologists have endured additional, extreme challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Psychological resilience presents a potential protective mechanism against burnout. This cross-sectional study examines whether psychological resilience eased burnout syndrome among Croatian oncologists during the pandemic. Methods: An anonymized self-reporting questionnaire was electronically distributed by the Croatian Society for Medical Oncology to 130 specialist and resident oncologists working in hospitals. Available for completion from September 6–24, 2021, the survey comprised demographic questions; the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), covering exhaustion and disengagement; and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The response rate was 57.7%. Results: Burnout was moderate or high for 86% of respondents, while 77% had moderate or high psychological resilience. Psychological resilience was significantly negatively correlated with the OLBI exhaustion subscale (r = − .54; p < 0.001) and the overall OLBI score (r = − .46; p < 0.001). Scheffe’s post hoc test showed that oncologists with high resilience scored significantly lower on the overall OLBI (M = 2.89; SD = 0.487) compared to oncologists with low resilience (M = 2.52; SD = 0.493). Conclusion: The findings thus indicate that oncologists with high psychological resilience are at significantly lower risk of developing burnout syndrome. Accordingly, convenient measures to encourage psychological resilience in oncologists should be identified and implemented.

Purpose: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly affected the oncology community worldwide. Lockdowns, an epidemiological measure, have made it difficult for oncologists to provide care. In this study, we analysed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Croatian cancer care. Methods: This was a multicentre cross-sectional observational study of 422 patients who received systemic oncology therapy during the pandemic. The patients completed a survey to capture their views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their cancer care. Univariate descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed to analyse the relationship between the patients' perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and the quality of Croatian cancer care and their clinical and sociodemographic data. Results: Discontinuation or change in cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic was observed in 10.2% of cases. Most did not change their place of treatment owing to the lockdown (97.6%). 14.7% of the patients felt that the quality of cancer care received had changed during the pandemic. Conclusions: In the first few months of the pandemic, Croatia had a favourable epidemiological situation. However, 25% of patients with cancer reported that the pandemic affected cancer treatment and the quality of cancer care.

Background: Based on the 2016 and 2021 ESMO Women for Oncology (W4O) surveys, which revealed persistent gender disparities in oncology, we conducted a national survey to examine career-related challenges among oncology professionals in Croatia and compare them with international trends. Methods: We administered an anonymous online survey adapted from the 2021 ESMO W4O questionnaire, contextualized for the Croatian setting. The survey explored the perceived impact of gender, political affiliation, religion, and sexual orientation on career development. Responses were analyzed by gender and age. Results: A total of 206 participants responded (74% women, 26% men), primarily medical and radiation oncologists (55%), followed by pathologists (15%) and surgical oncologists (5%). Among all respondents, 41% were aged ≤ 40, 18% were residents, and 43% had worked in oncology for less than 10 years. Most worked in university (42%) or general hospitals (39%). Gender was reported to moderately or significantly affect career progression in 40% of cases—more frequently than political affiliation (22%)—while religion and sexual orientation had minimal influence. Major gender-related barriers included poor work–life balance (69%), societal pressure (46%), unconscious bias (44%), and limited leadership opportunities for women (33%). Workplace gender-based discrimination was reported by 36%, and 38% had experienced or witnessed harassment; however, only 11% reported incidents. Although 80% valued career advancement, 34% were dissatisfied with their progression. Overall, 86% faced career barriers, primarily poor work–life balance (56%), lack of mentors (42%), and demotivating work environments (36%). Administrative overload was widespread: 59% felt overwhelmed, and 61% worked more than 8 h daily. Conclusions: Gender remains a substantial barrier to career advancement in oncology. Systemic interventions are needed to address work–life imbalance, discrimination, and structural burdens to support equity and sustainable career development.

Oncology is one of the most dynamic branches of medicine. As a result of numerous oncology studies, there has been asignificant increase in scientific and clinical data that the human brain cannot store. Advances in artificial intelligence(AI)