2Department of Medical Education, Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Sivas-Türkiye DOI : 10.5505/tjo.2025.4577 OBJECTIVE
This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of radiation oncology residency theses written in Türkiye. It examines the distribution of theses by year and institution, research designs, topic diversity, and their conversion rates into scientific publications.
METHODS
A total of 202 radiation oncology theses published between 1988 and 2024 and listed in the National
Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education were included in the study. Each thesis was evaluated
based on research design, topic, type of institution, publication status, and distribution over time. Publication
rates and citation counts were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23,
employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and post-hoc analyses.
RESULTS
77.7% of theses were prepared at universities and 22.3% were prepared at training and research hospitals.
The most common study design was retrospective descriptive (63.7%). A total of 30.7% of the theses
were published in international indexed journals; excluding 2024 theses, this rate increased to 33.0%.
The median time to publication was 3 years, and the median annual citation count was 0.2. A statistically
significant difference was observed in publication rates based on study design and thesis year (p<0.05),
while no significant association was found with institution type or cancer type.
CONCLUSION
One-third of radiation oncology residency theses in Türkiye are converted into scientific publications.
Study design and thesis year significantly influence publication likelihood. These findings provide strategic
insight for shaping educational policies and research priorities, and serve as a guide for enhancing
scholarly output in the field.