Community oncology practices enable cancer patients to receive quality, affordable care in their own community. This is why the majority of Americans battling cancer choose to be treated in the community setting. However, recent estimates have shown that the country is facing a shortage of as many as 3,800 oncologists. At the same time, with the aging population and growing number of survivors due to the increased efficacy of cancer treatment, there will be a significant increase in the need for oncology services.

As physicians complete their three-year oncology and/or hematology fellowship, they have a choice of how and where they will practice. Unfortunately, the community setting is frequently overlooked as a career option by oncology/hematology fellows. The COA Fellows Initiative seeks to change this by educating fellows on present practice options and discuss the many factors to consider when making those decisions.