The clinician educator career in oncology.

Abstract

11022 Background: There has been progress in both the definition of the work of a clinician educator (CE) and the skillset required. The CE career pathway has not been studied in oncology. Our aim is to study the current state of oncologists’ identification as a CE and their perceptions of the barriers and enablers for a CE career. Methods: A 27-item cross-sectional survey was completed by ASCO program directors (PDs) and associate/assistant PDs (APDs). The survey asked about their current career and perceptions about CE careers including barriers/enablers. Prior to distribution, the survey was reviewed by experts in oncology education and approved by the ASCO Education Council. Frequency statistics are presented. Results: Eighty-eight of 297 PDs/APDs responded (30%). 70 (80%) perceived CE as a viable career track, 48 (55%) had a CE track available to faculty at their institution and 72 (82%) considered themselves as a CE. Most PDs/APDs (59; 67%) reported no formal medical education training for their trainees and the majority (67; 76%) did not have a CE track for their fellows. While medical education responsibilities are perceived to be common amongst graduates (39% reporting >50% of graduates), 59 (67%) of PDs/APDs reported <10% of their trainees pursue medical education as a research focus. Compared to clinical, laboratory or discovery research, 71 (81%) of PDs/APDs felt their fellows were less or significantly less prepared for a career in education research. Table highlights the perceived barriers/enablers to a CE career. Conclusions: Many PDs/APDs perceive themselves as clinician educators. However, little to no formal education training currently exists to identify and nurture trainees into careers in education. Identification of training milestones in education and establishing guidelines for academic promotion for CEs in oncology are needed.[Table: see text]