Evaluation of a Multi-Modal Radiation Oncology Elective for First-Year Medical Students

Abstract

Given the paucity of exposure to radiation oncology in the undergraduate medical curriculum, it is important to provide alternative avenues for interested students early in their medical careers. The objective of this project was to evaluate student understanding of the role of radiation oncology in the treatment of cancer, interest in conducting summer research with radiation oncology faculty, and interest in future radiation (as well as medical and surgical) oncology education after completion of an elective course. First-year medical students received lectures derived from the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group with additional lectures given by faculty presenting current research endeavors and clinical cases. In addition, medical students had the opportunity to participate in clinic and the treatment planning workflow. Pre and post-course student knowledge was assessed with multiple-choice quizzes. A survey was administered before and after the elective to evaluate both interest and self-perceived understanding of the field. Students also rated each component of the course and each speaker. We used paired t-tests to assess pre- and post-course differences in quiz/survey results. Interest in radiation oncology training was correlated to the rating of each aspect of the course using the Pearson Correlation. 25 students took the course and contributed data. Students scored significantly higher on the quiz after the course; the average score improved 20% (p < 0.05). We noted a significant increase in students' self-perceived understanding of: a) cancer treatment; b) the role of radiation therapy; c) limits and challenges of radiation therapy; and d) ability to discuss research topics in radiation oncology. The majority of students expressed an interest in pursuing the radiation oncology clinical clerkship (84%) and in pursuing additional oncology educational opportunities in medical school (100%), both before and after the elective. The course did slightly alter the distribution of interest in pursuing radiation oncology residency training. The number of students with moderate interest decreased after the course, while the number of students with very high or low interest increased. The course was rated highly with 84% of students recommending the class to others. Anonymous narrative feedback revealed enjoyment in the clinical shadowing experience, as well as a need to tailor course material to the level of a first-year medical student. A single-institution first year medical student elective enhanced understanding of the principles and research opportunities in radiation oncology. At the completion of the elective, most students expressed an interest in radiation oncology residency. It appears that the elective helped students determine whether a career in radiation oncology may be a good fit. We plan to improve this course by tailoring the lecture material to the level of the first-year medical student.