How uniform are post-graduate training programs in medical oncology in the European Union?

Background: Medical oncology is a relatively new discipline whose rapid evolution is not paralleled by advances in the academic curricula. The present study was designed to provide a description of the status of post-graduate training programs in medical oncology in the European Union. Results: Our survey shows that 'some form' of training in medical oncology is available in 10 countries of the European Union, but that there are officially recognized Schools of Specialization in this discipline in only four (Great Britain, Portugal, Republic of Ireland and Spain). Italy and France offer training programs in medical oncology as specific tracks of the School of Specialization in Oncology. A 'special competence' in medical oncology, within the speciality of internal medicine, is issued in 3 additional countries (Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands). Finally, training in medical oncology is linked to that in haematology in Germany. A wide variation was found among the different European countries regarding the requirements for admission to these training programs. Similarly, the duration of the programs in the various schools ranges between 2 and 6 years and the total number of years from graduation to achievement of the title of specialist ranges from 4 to 9 years. Conclusions: Our survey discloses a broad heterogeneity of academic attitude regarding medical oncology in the European Union and points to the need for recognition of this discipline as a specific and essential specialization.