Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has stripped many medical students worldwide of their right to quality education. In response, we developed hybrid courses involving aspects of both online and in-person teaching for radiation oncology medical student clerkship.MethodsWe entitled students to customize their own rotation schedule using Google Forms and developed a flipped learning online class, which consisted of at least one video clip on basic knowledge of radiation oncology per day (yonsei-radonc.com). Students were instructed to watch online videos before the next day’s discussion session. Required components of the medical education program (e.g., target drawing, site visits to treatment facilities) were also prepared and conducted in accordance with the appropriate level of social distancing measures. Finally, we conducted questionnaire surveys after the completion of the week-long course and clerkship.ResultsFrom March to June 2020, 110 fourth-year medical students undertook a clinical module in our 1-week radiation oncology program course. Each day, students completed the flipped learning prior to meeting with the educator and then participated in the online discussion session and conference. All activities were well performed as scheduled. Students’ motivation was high, as was their overall satisfaction with the course. The students were satisfied with the online contents, flipped learning strategy, and instructors.ConclusionsWe successfully integrated open and virtual educational platforms to improve access to and satisfaction with student clerkship. In the future “new normal,” minimized face-to-face learning interactions, such as flipped learning, should be actively utilized for medical and other students’ education.
Highlights
Introduction of Yonsei Rad Onc YBKimUnderstanding RT process Definition of target and OAR JS KimHow to target drawing Understanding DVH JS ChangParticle therapy Carbon-ion therapy WS Koom & HI YoonIntensity-modulated RT Prostate brachytherapy JH Cho & YA ChoFuture of radiation oncology Wrap-upJS Chang discussion session with clinical fellows on the topic covered on the previous day.Required education program Required education program components were prepared and conducted in accordance with the appropriate social distancing measures.Before the social distancing measures were strengthened, a program was planned to identify one patient in an outpatient clinic to perform the physical examination and history taking in person, and to observe the patient’s radiotherapy process
We showed the actual target volume used for whole brain radiotherapy to students after their contouring session and explained the consequences of therapy
All activities were performed as scheduled for all students, even with the 4-week break imposed after the COVID-19 outbreak
Summary
Introduction of Yonsei Rad Onc YBKimUnderstanding RT process Definition of target and OAR JS KimHow to target drawing Understanding DVH JS ChangParticle therapy Carbon-ion therapy WS Koom & HI YoonIntensity-modulated RT Prostate brachytherapy JH Cho & YA ChoFuture of radiation oncology Wrap-upJS Chang discussion session with clinical fellows on the topic covered on the previous day.Required education program Required education program components (e.g., target drawing, site visits to carbon–ion treatment facility construction site and treatment rooms at lunchtime) were prepared and conducted in accordance with the appropriate social distancing measures.Before the social distancing measures were strengthened, a program was planned to identify one patient in an outpatient clinic to perform the physical examination and history taking in person, and to observe the patient’s radiotherapy process. After the social distancing measures were strengthened because of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical school recommendations no longer allowed to meet patients in person and perform such processes. The Korean government is currently attempting to implement telemedicine, but it is not legally permissible yet Since they were not allowed to meet patients online for counseling or medical treatment, students had no choice but to observe professors treating patients in outpatient clinics. Amid pandemic-related public health recommendations, education for medical students has quickly and effectively transitioned to virtual platforms. In this circumstance, radiation oncology is well positioned to create and innovate virtual curricula for medical students [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
