Evaluation of National Conference-Associated Medical Student Research and Mentorship Award for Medical Students, Resident Mentors, and Radiation Oncologist Supervisors

Abstract

In 2020, the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) Medical Student Research and Mentorship Award (CARO MSRMA) was created to support medical students pursuing radiation oncology (RO) research and RO as a career. This study aims to evaluate the impact of three consecutive years of this award on medical students, RO resident mentors, and research supervisors. Medical student mentees, resident mentors, and staff RO research supervisors who participated in one of three iterations of CARO MSRMA (2020-2022 inclusive) were identified. Three separate surveys were developed for these groups using best practice strategies for medical education surveys and circulated for peer-review amongst experts in oncology medical education. The surveys were sent to 52 participants: 18 medical students (Group 1), 18 RO resident mentors (Group 2), and 16 attending RO supervisors (Group 3). After anonymization, quantitative answers were analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative responses were evaluated using a grounded theory approach. Survey response rate was 92% (48/52). For Group 1, the award maintained (71%) or increased interest in pursuing an RO career (24%). Aspects of the award rated most important were: financial support to attend the CARO Annual Scientific Meeting (mean rating 4.8/5) and mentorship with an RO resident (mean rating 4.6/5). Through mentorship, 60% of students obtained valuable information about a career in RO, 60% reported helpful residency matching (CaRMS) advice, and another 60% attained insight into RO residency. For Group 2 respondents, 100% felt the program either maintained or increased their motivation to mentor students in RO. For Group 3, 100% agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed their role as a supervisor, would participate in the program again, and would recommend the opportunity to others. All three Groups agreed or strongly agreed that it would be useful for CARO to create a virtual network of radiation oncologists, residents, and medical students to share and access shadowing and research opportunities to encourage national RO exposure and collaboration. The first cohort of medical student awardees has CaRMS matching results, with approximately 50% matching to RO. A national conference-associated medical student research and mentorship award has had a positive impact on all three populations involved: medical students in motivation to continue pursuing RO research and career opportunities, RO resident mentors in enhancing mentorship skills, and attending supervisors in inspiring the next generation of prospective RO colleagues. Further research is recommended to determine the impact of the award on subsequent Residency Specialty matching, and whether expansion of this award to other opportunities may be beneficial.