Continuing Medical Education Preferences and Pediatric Radiation Practices of Radiation Oncologists Attending the 2019 Meeting of the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society

Abstract

Little is known regarding the credentials and continuing medical education of radiation oncologists who treat children with cancer. To examine the educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding continuing medical education (CME) among radiation oncologists who attended the 2019 meeting of the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS). During the 2019 meeting of PROS in Bangkok, Thailand, a survey was distributed to all meeting participants asking for the participant’s demographic and educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding pediatric radiation oncology CME. The survey consisted of 20 questions with the first question asking if the participant was a radiation oncologist who treated children with cancer. The remaining questions were only answered by pediatric radiation oncologists. Of 188 PROS meeting participants, 130 (69.2%) returned the questionnaire. 104 respondents were pediatric radiation oncologists and answered the remaining questions. 55.3% of the respondents were male. 51.5% and 62.4% of respondents have been practicing radiation oncology and pediatric radiation oncology, respectively, < 10 years from completion of radiation oncology training. The respondents were from: Asia 60%, Europe 20%, North America 13%, Australia/New Zealand 5%, and other 2%. >80% reported access to CT simulation, 3-D radiotherapy, IMRT/VMAT and use of general anesthesia. 40 in 25.3%. A formal radiation oncology residency program was available in the home country of 88.2% of respondent’s; with 72.4% of programs lasting > 4 years. Radiation oncology board certification was available in 91% of respondent’s countries. Only 18% of respondents had a formal pediatric radiation oncology fellowship program in their country, while 12.1% did some pediatric radiation oncology training beyond residency. When asked about further training after residency, 88.8% answered that there should be a formal training program beyond residency in order to treat children with radiation. >75% of respondents acquired knowledge in pediatric radiation oncology through journals, books, live meetings such as ASTRO, SIOP, PROS, and tumor boards. < 40% of respondents answered that they acquire knowledge through web-based meetings. The majority of pediatric radiation oncologists in attendance at the meeting had < 10 years of clinical experience beyond residency. Most practitioners learn pediatric radiation oncology by reading books and journals and attending live meetings and tumor boards. While only 12.1% had actually done further training in pediatrics beyond their initial radiation oncology training, 88.8% believed there should be further training beyond residency to practice pediatric radiation oncology. This may reflect the belief that the complexity of treating children and the technological advances in radiation oncology merit specialized pediatric radiation oncology training.