Abstract
BackgroundPresently, educational programming is not standardized across radiation oncology (RO) training programs. Specifically, there are limited materials through national organizations or structured practice exams for residents preparing for the American Board of Radiology (ABR) oral board examination. We present our 2019 experience implementing a formalized program of early mock oral board examinations (MOBE) for residents in post-graduate years (PGY) 3–5.MethodsA mixed-methods survey regarding MOBE perception and self-reported comfort across five clinical domains were administered to PGY2–5 residents. MOBEs and a post-intervention survey were implemented for the PGY3–5. The pre and post-intervention score across clinical domains were compared using t-tests. Faculty and residents were asked for post-intervention comments.ResultsA total of 14 PGY2–5 residents completed the pre-intervention survey; 9 residents participated in the MOBE (5/14 residents were PGY2s) and post-intervention survey. This was the first mock oral radiation oncology examination experience for 65% of residents. 100% of residents felt the MOBE increased their clinical knowledge and comfort with clinical reasoning. Overall, there was a trend towards improved resident confidence giving planning dose parameters and (p = 0.08). There was also unanimous request for more MOBE experiences from residents and faculty, but time was identified as a significant barrier.ConclusionsFuture directions for this MOBE program are inclusion of more disease sites, better emulation of the exam, the creation of a more rigorous consolidated format testing all sites at once, and consideration for grading of these sessions for future correlation with certifying oral board examination (OBE) performance.
Highlights
Educational programming is not standardized across radiation oncology (RO) training programs
The American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) historically has published study guides to aide in preparation for these exams, and
The American Board of Radiology (ABR) oral board exam is administered at the conclusion of one’s first year in clinical practice, and it is the final step in becoming a board certified radiation oncologist
Summary
Educational programming is not standardized across radiation oncology (RO) training programs. Clinical resident educational programming in radiation oncology (RO) is not standardized across training programs. The American Board of Radiology (ABR) administers three written examinations prior to full certification: physics, radiation biology, and clinical board exams. For these three exams, the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) historically has published study guides to aide in preparation for these exams, and Medical Physics Publishing produces practice exams for the physics boards. There are no publicly available OBE grading guidelines, the ABR does provide a broad informational guideline [1] outlining the breadth of expertise required, Peters et al BMC Medical Education (2020) 20:203 including anatomy and clinical evaluation, selection of appropriate therapeutic intervention (including surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation therapy), radiation planning techniques, results of treatment (both oncologic outcomes and toxicity/complication management), as well as significant results of clinical trials
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