Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Targeted One-Week Virtual Radiation Oncology Intensive Shadowing Experience for Medical Students Underrepresented in Medicine: Mentor's Perspective

Abstract

Medical students underrepresented in medicine (UIM) are less likely to attend medical schools with associated radiation oncology (RO) programs. In response, the Radiation oncology Intensive Shadowing Experience (RISE) was created to proactively address inequities in exposure to RO for UIM. This analysis describes the experiences of participating mentors. We hypothesize that RISE will have an overall positive impact on participating physician mentors.RISE was developed as a one-week virtual opportunity for UIM senior medical students, interested in RO, attending US or US-affiliated medical schools. Participating medical students were matched with 1-2 RO attendings, a senior resident, a physicist, and a dosimetrist. Mentors were provided with course objectives and a detailed schedule for the week. Mentors completed a post-program survey. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test. Free text responses provided additional descriptive data.Forty-three mentors participated in RISE across two academic medical centers from July-October 2020. Survey response rate was 93% (40/43); 14 attendings, 12 residents, 9 physicists and 5 dosimetrists. Mentors self-identified as White (55%), Asian (34%), Multiracial (5%), Black or African American (3%), and Hispanic/Latino (3%). The majority of attendings and residents found that the goals and objectives were clearly stated, interactions with students were meaningful, and they would recommend the experience to other colleagues (Table 1). Attendings reported a median of 6 hours [interquartile range (IQR) 5,8 hours] on RISE activities per week while residents reported 10 hours [IQR 9,13.5 hours] (P = 0.01). All attendings (100%) and 83% of residents agreed the time commitment was appropriate. Qualitative data revealed themes including positive mentor-mentee connections, improvement in student RO knowledge, positive perception of mentee enthusiasm and engagement, and a sense of personal fulfillment from participation.RISE mentors reported a positive and fulfilling experience with the program, and manageable time commitments. Time commitment for resident mentors may need to be improved to ensure sustainability. Future work is merited to determine the long-term impact on both mentors and mentees.