Pilot Study Exploring the Feasibility and Value of Introducing Diverse Students in Premedical Programs to Multidisciplinary Oncology

Abstract

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The radiation oncology (RO) workforce has less racial and ethnic diversity than most medical specialties. Some important components of cultivating students' interest in RO include early access to the specialty, development of sustained mentor and sponsor relationships, and publication of oncology research. However, because RO is uncommonly incorporated into curricula at US medical schools, there is potentially value in efforts to expose premedical students to RO. Many US medical schools have affiliated pipeline, preparatory, and/or prematriculation programs that enroll a high percentage of students historically underrepresented in medicine (UIM), but only approximately one-fourth of academic RO departments report interacting with these programs. We hypothesize that it will be feasible for radiation oncologists to proactively engage students in these programs, and students' perceived interest in oncology will increase because of it. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Leaders of 6 premedical programs designed primarily for UIM students affiliated with 4 US medical schools (each of which had an affiliated RO department) were emailed to assess their interest in a 45-minute virtual presentation introducing multidisciplinary cancer care. All programs lacked any similar didactic, and agreed. A presentation titled "Translating Scientific Principles into Practice in the Care of Patients with Cancer" was given to each program individually. An electronic survey of multiple choice and Likert-type questions was used to capture data from participating students. Descriptive statistics are reported. <h3>Results</h3> 96 students completed the survey, out of 284 attendees (response rate 34%). 66 students were female (69%). 34 students self-identified as Black (55%), 26 Asian (27%), 13 white (14%), 10 multi-racial (10%), and 18 other race (19%). 27 students identified as Hispanic ethnicity (28%). 46 students (48%) were post-baccalaureate medical school pre-matriculants, 18 (19%) were in college, 32 (31%) were in high school or younger. 88 (92%) plan to attend medical school. 61 participants (64%) were previously aware of the field of RO, whereas 9 (9%) had previously heard a presentation from a radiation oncologist. After the presentation, 74 students (77%) expressed increased interest in a career in oncology (including 64% more interested in RO, 68% in medical oncology, and 55% in surgical oncology). 77 students (80%) desired further clinical shadowing, 60 (63%) an oncology research project, 30 (31%) attending a tumor board, and 35 (36%) more virtual oncology educational content. <h3>Conclusion</h3> RO participation in premedical programs with predominantly UIM students was feasible in all programs contacted, and inspired interest in oncology among the majority of students. Future work will expand this outreach at similar programs affiliated with more US medical schools.