PHSOR06 Presentation Time: 12:55 PM: Medical Physics Residents Have Spoken: They Want More Brachytherapy Training Opportunities

Abstract

<h3>Purpose</h3> To evaluate the current status of brachytherapy (BT) training received by medical physics residents (MPR) in North America by surveying residents currently enrolled in, and recently graduated from CAMPEP-accredited residency programs. The documented decline in the use of BT may result in reduced training opportunities. This survey aims to identify the current strengths and areas for improvement in MPR BT training. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> A survey consisting of 26 questions was developed to collect data in five areas: (1) training program demographics; (2) didactic and practical training methods; (3) caseload and confidence levels of residents for various treatment modalities (including HDR, LDR, IORT, TARE, and Radiopharm), disease sites, and clinical tasks (including treatment planning, plan checks, and treatment delivery); (4) level of interest in performing BT post-residency; and (5) level of interest in receiving additional BT training opportunities. The survey was reviewed by several AAPM committees and was approved by the Executive Committee. The survey was distributed to residents currently enrolled in, and graduates within 5 years of residency training. <h3>Results</h3> The response rate was 23% (186 responses / 796 recipients). 60% of respondents had completed their training and 40% were currently enrolled in a program. Only 53% of currently enrolled residents had completed the BT training required by their program's curriculum. Therefore, to accurately depict the BT training experience of MPR, data is presented only from those having completed training. The majority of residents (94%) received three months or more of dedicated BT training and 96% believed it was important to learn BT during residency. Further, MPR (88%) believed their program director valued their BT education. A very notable finding was that only 49% of residents felt confident enough to perform BT for all sites treated at their training institution upon completion of their training program. HDR gynecological procedures were the only modality and disease site combination out of 14 modality and site combinations with more than 50% of individuals reporting feeling "very confident" at the completion of their training. MPR indicated an increase in caseload (29%) would most improve their confidence level followed closely by increased case involvement (25%). Few (11%) believed additional didactic training would improve their confidence level. The majority (73%) of MPR enjoyed their BT rotation more than other rotations. Most wanted to (72%) and would be (67%) performing BT at their first position post-residency. Additional training opportunities were desired by the majority (64%) of MPR and 10% were unsure. This subset of individuals reported interest in selecting BT as an elective rotation (66%), performing a BT rotation at another institution with a higher caseload (76%), and completing a BT fellowship post-residency (63%, Figure 1). The interest level of MPR in pursuing a fellowship was greater than the 2% reported by Marcrom et al. (IJROBP, 2018) for radiation oncology residents. <h3>Conclusions</h3> MPR believe BT training during residency is important and the majority of MPR did not achieve their desired level of confidence in performing BT procedures at the completion of their residency training. Caseload was identified as the primary factor contributing to low confidence levels. The majority indicated they wanted to (and would be) performing BT post-residency, and desired additional training opportunities. Strong interest was expressed in pursuing (1) an additional rotation, (2) rotations through outside training facilities, and (3) optional fellowships. These opportunities are available to radiation oncology residents through the ABS-sponsored 300-in-10 program. There is a demonstrated need and interest for an equivalent program for medical physicists.