Education in Radiation Oncology—Current Challenges and Difficulties

Abstract

The evolution and development of radiotherapy in the last two decades has meant that postgraduate medical training has not kept up with this rapid progress both in terms of multidisciplinary clinical approaches and especially in terms of technological advances. Education in radiation oncology is a major priority in the context of the rapid development of radiotherapy, including advanced knowledge of radiobiology, radiation physics and clinical oncology, anatomy, tumor biology and advanced medical imaging. In this context, the lack of training in radiation oncology in the curricula of medical faculties may have detrimental consequences for the training of residents in radiotherapy but also in their choice of specialty after completing their university studies. There is a clear gap between resident physicians’ actual and required knowledge of radiotherapy, and this requires urgent remediation. In the context of technical advances in imaging-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and new radiobiology data, a balanced approach divided equally between general oncology, clinical radiation oncology, radiation oncology technology, medical physics and radiobiology, anatomy and multimodal imaging, including mentorship could bring educational and career choice benefits for students of radiation oncology.

A nationwide survey of the current status of radiation oncology teaching in Spanish medical schools

“…In a study of fourth-year medical students at Boston University School of Medicine, after exposure to a structured didactic program in oncology, 32% of the students pursued advanced training in RO [ 24 ]. However, the lack of training in RO in the curricula of medical faculties may have detrimental consequences for the training of residents in radiotherapy and also in their choice of specialty after completing their university studies [ 25 ].…”

Established advanced practice roles in radiation therapy: A scoping review

“…The incidence of cancer is increasing and the demand for radiation therapy is growing 1 . Radiation therapy techniques are evolving 2 and staff of all levels are struggling to keep up with both the educational requirements of these rapidly advancing techniques 2 as well as the pressure caused by increased patient demand in all departments 3 . This is causing a number of difficulties within departments, the effects of which are also being directly absorbed by the patient as they experience increased waiting times 3 …”

Radiation Oncology Resident Evaluations: Current Methods and Resident Perceptions

“…Although undergraduate medical education provides training in general medicine and the humanistic aspect of patient-physician interactions, it does not provide adequate education on physics, biology, or treatment planning related to RO. 13 As such, RO training can be complex, challenging, and multifaceted, which further complicates resident feedback and evaluation. 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 Because of limited data in the literature on resident evaluation within RO, further investigation is warranted.…”

“… 13 As such, RO training can be complex, challenging, and multifaceted, which further complicates resident feedback and evaluation. 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 Because of limited data in the literature on resident evaluation within RO, further investigation is warranted. 14 This is one of the first studies to explore RO residency training programs in the United States (US) and their formal feedback mechanisms and resident perceptions of these processes.…”