Oncology Training Research Articles

16 Exploring Trends in Work Satisfaction, Stress and Burnout Among Oncologists and Oncology Trainees

16 Exploring Trends in Work Satisfaction, Stress and Burnout Among Oncologists and Oncology Trainees

HIPEC in Ovarian Cancer: When and to Whom?

To evaluate the optimal candidates for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in ovarian cancer. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Health Sciences University, Dr. Abdurrahman YurtasianAnkara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between 2013 and 2021. Ovarian cancer patients who underwent HIPEC and CRS for peritoneal involvement were included in this study. Thermosolutions were prepared as a closed system by using HT 2000 hyperthermic perfusion device. Then, cisplatin was applied at 100 mg/m2 at 42-42.5 °C for 60 minutes after CRS. A total of 47 patients were enrolled. The median age was 54 years (27-80) at the time of diagnosis. Forty (85.1%) patients had high grade serous carcinoma and 22 (46.7%) patients had clinical stage 3C disease. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 13 (3-24) in the whole population. HIPEC was applied as first-line treatment in 25 (51%) patients. Eleven (23.4%) patients had HIPEC in the post-neoadjuvant interval whereas 10 (21.3%) patients had it in platinum sensitive relapse. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 31(95% CI:11-50), 33 (95% CI:1-67), and 18 (95% CI:8-27) months in the primary, post-neoadjuvant interval, and platinum-sensitive relapse HIPEC groups, respectively. The patients with lower PCI (PCI<13) had significantly better OS than others with higher PCI (PCI>13, 145 months versus 42 months, p=0.034). HIPEC with CRS should be considered in selected serous carcinoma patients with peritoneal involvement, especially for the patients with primary ovarian cancer with lower PCI (PCI<13). Ovarian cancer, HIPEC, Peritoneal cancer index.

Effect of Pap Smear Cytology, HPV Genotyping on the Concordance of Colposcopy and Conization Results.

To evaluate the conization results performed due to human papillomavirus (HPV), smear, colposcopy results or clinician's decision and determine the factors that predict ≥CIN2. Retrospective comparative study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2011 and December 2021. Women with known HPV results who underwent conization in the Gynaecology clinic were retrospectively included. Age, HPV genotypes, conization, and colposcopy results of the patients were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups as those with and without ≥CIN2 and compared in terms of clinicopathological features. Four hundred and twenty eight (82.8%) of the 517 patients were premenopausal and perimenopausal, and 89 (17.2%) of the patients with a median age of 42 years (range: 30-65 years) were postmenopausal. While 374 were HPV 16/18 positive, 143 were non-16/18 HPV positive. Conization result was normal in 202 (39.1%) patients, CIN1 in 129 (25.0%) patients, and CIN 2-3 in 186 (36.0%) patients. In the HPV 16/18 positive group, conization result was normal in 38.2% of patients, CIN1 in 20.9%, and CIN 2-3 in 40.9%; these rates were 41.3%, 35.7%, and 23.1% in the HPV-other group, respectively (p <0.001). In the logistic regression model, age, HPV type (16/18), and smear cytology results (≥ASC-US) were tested as independent factors predicting ≥CIN2. HPV 16/18 positivity and smear cytology result (≥ASC-US) were the factors predicting ≥CIN2. Smear and HPV genotyping can make an important contribution to detecting false <NIC2 results as a result of colposcopy. CIN, Colposcopy, Conization, Cervix, Cervical cancer, Neoplasia, HPV.

Adjuvant Capecitabine after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer with Lymph Node Metastasis.

To evaluate the effect of complete pathological response (pCR) on prognosis in patients with axillary lymph node-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the efficiency of adjuvant capecitabine. Analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: University of Health Sciences, Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, between March 2015 and December 2021. The study included 92 patients with TNBC with enlarged axillary lymph nodes and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patients were classified as those with and without postoperative pCR and compared in terms of survival. Subsequently, the patients who did not achieve pCR were classified as receiving and not receiving adjuvant capecitabine and were compared for DFS (disease-free survival) and OS (overall survival). Parameters that showed statistical significance were re-evaluated with Cox regression analysis. The 5-year DFS rate was 84.3% in those who achieved pCR, while it was 55.1% in those who did not (p=0.026). The 5-year OS rate was 82.8% in the pCR arm, while it was 51.0% in the non-pCR arm (p=0.070). The 5-year DFS rate was 66.3% in adjuvant capecitabine-receiving patients, while it was 40.8% in the non-capecitabine arm (HR=0.40, p=0.031). The 5-year OS rate was 68.9% in adjuvant capecitabine-receiving patients, while it was 29.6% in the non-capecitabine arm (HR= 0.40, p=0.062). Conclusion: Obtaining pCR following NAC in a locally advanced TNBC is an independent prognostic marker for DFS and OS. In the presence of residual disease, improvement in DFS and OS with adjuvant capecitabine was demonstrated by the real-life data. Triple-negative breast cancer, Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Capecitabine, Survival.

The current status of geriatric oncology in India.

Geriatric oncology in India is relatively new. The number of older persons with cancer is increasing exponentially; at our institution, 34% of patients registered are 60 years and over. Apart from the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, there are currently no other Indian centers that have a dedicated geriatric oncology unit. Geriatric assessments (GAs) are done sporadically, and older patients with cancer are usually assessed and treated based on clinical judgement. Challenges to increasing the uptake of GA include a lack of training/time/interest or knowledge of the importance of the GA. Other challenges include a lack of trained personnel with expertise in geriatric oncology, and a paucity of research studies that seek to advance the outcomes in older Indian patients with cancer. We anticipate that over the next 10 years, along with the inevitable increase in the number of older persons with cancer in India, there will be a commensurate increase in the number of skilled personnel to care for them. Key goals for the future include increased research output, increased number of dedicated geriatric oncology units across the country, India-specific geriatric oncology guidelines, geriatric oncology training programs, and a focus on collaborative work across India and with global partners. In this narrative review, we provide a broad overview of the status of geriatric oncology in India, along with a description of the work done at our center. We hope to spark interest and provide inspiration to readers to consider developing geriatric oncology services in other settings.

Virtual Tumor Boards for Remote Learning in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

In addition to their patient management value, multidisciplinary tumor boards have been recognized as effective learning tools. However, the value of using a virtual tumor board as a learning tool for head and neck surgical oncology fellows has not been studied. To describe the structure and content of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) Virtual Tumor Board and assess its educational value as perceived by attendees. All sessions of the AHNS Virtual Tumor Board from April 8, 2020, to June 1, 2022, were reviewed. Topics, presenters, participants, and viewership data were collected as of October 15, 2022, from session recordings posted to an online video sharing and social media platform. Additionally, an anonymous, 14-question online survey was designed to elicit feedback from head and neck surgery trainees on virtual tumor board engagement, strengths, and weaknesses. The survey was electronically distributed in June and July 2022 to the 101 fellows enrolled in AHNS-accredited programs between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. The primary aim was to tabulate online viewership of the sessions. The secondary aim was to qualitatively assess the experience of head and neck trainees with the AHNS Virtual Tumor Board using a survey. Forty-two sessions of the virtual tumor board were held between April 8, 2020, and June 1, 2022. Almost all sessions (41 [98%]) were case based. One hundred and sixteen cases were presented, representing 2 to 3 cases per session, by 75 unique faculty members. Each session was viewed a mean of 217 times (range, 64-2216 views). In the 2021 to 2022 academic year, a mean of 60 viewers (range, 30-92 viewers) attended each live session. In all, 29 survey responses were collected from 101 fellows in AHNS-accredited programs (29% response rate). Most respondents felt the format allowed for excellent teaching (18 of 26 respondents [69%]) and discussion (19 of 26 respondents [73%]). Most respondents (22 of 29 respondents [76%]) believed that practicing head and neck surgeons would benefit from the sessions. This survey study found that the AHNS Virtual Tumor Board was well-attended and well-reviewed by head and neck surgical oncology trainees. The virtual tumor board format could be used as model of remote learning for other organizations.

Italian oncologists and vaccinations against infectious diseases: Results of a survey of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology.

Patients with cancer present a higher risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. Recommended vaccinations are the most cost-effective measure to reduce the risk of transmission and related complications. Nevertheless, vaccination rates are inadequate. Oncologists have a central role in tailored vaccine communication to their patients. We present the results of a survey conducted by AIOM in 2022, focusing on the perception of the problem by oncologists. An anonymous 31-item online questionnaire was shared on 15 September 2022 on the AIOM website. The objectives of this survey were to examine the perception of Italian oncologists on vaccine-preventable diseases and the main available vaccines, their attitude towards recommending vaccines and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on their habits regarding vaccine-preventable diseases. Between September 2022 and January 2023, 114 medical oncologists (5% of the members) completed the anonymous questionnaire. At the first oncological visit, only 30% of respondents usually propose a vaccination schedule to all their patient, 41% do not usually discuss vaccinations at the first visit and 29% recommend vaccines exclusively to specific categories of patients. For 56% of respondents, patients are more aware of the benefits of vaccines, whereas 36% reported that patients are worried of receiving too many vaccines. This is the first survey conducted among Italian oncologists to better understand the perception and attitudes towards the vaccination. It highlights the urgent issues of educating and training oncologists in vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccine awareness and the need to build (or implement) a network of multidisciplinary collaborations.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training conditions and education in oncologic disciplines: a survey-based analysis

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in global health care. Medical societies had to update guidelines and enhance new services such as video consultations. Cancer treatment had to be modified. The aim of this study is to ensure optimal care for cancer patients with the help of high-quality training even in times of crisis. We therefore conducted a nationwide survey of physicians in training in oncological disciplines during the pandemic to assess the impact on their education.MethodsThe survey was sent to tumour centres, hospitals, specialist societies, and working and junior research groups and distributed via newsletters and homepages. Interim results and a call for participation were published as a poster (DEGRO) [26] and in the German Cancer Society (DKG) journal FORUM [42]. The survey contained 53 questions on conditions of education and training and on clinical and scientific work. Statistics were carried out with LimeSurvey and SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).ResultsBetween February and November 2022, 450 participants answered the survey, with radio-oncologists being the largest group (28%). Most colleagues (63%) had access to digital training methods. Virtual sessions were rated as a good alternative, especially as multidisciplinary meetings (54%) as well as in-house and external training programs (48%, 47%). The time spent by training supervisors on education was rated as less than before the pandemic by 57%. Half of all participants perceived communication (54%), motivation (44%) and atmosphere (50%) in the team as bad. The participants felt strongly burdened by extra work (55%) and by a changed team atmosphere (49%). One third felt a change in the quality of training during the pandemic and rated it as negative (35%). According to 37% of the participants, this had little influence on their own quality of work. Additional subgroup analyses revealed significant differences in gender, specialty and education level.ConclusionIn order to improve oncology training in times of crisis, access to digital training options and meetings should be ensured. Participants wish for regular team meetings in person to enable good team spirit, compensation for overtime work and sufficient time for training supervisors for discussion and feedback.

Prognostic Importance of Combined Use of MELD Scores and SII in Hepatic Visceral Crisis in Patients with Solid Tumours.

To determine the sensitivity of combining the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring with new inflammatory indexes in determining the priority for liver transplantation and demonstrating its potential usability in solid tumour visceral crisis. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye, from June 2017 to June 2022. Patients hospitalised in the medical oncology clinic for hepatic dysfunction were included. The MELD scores of these patients were calculated, and the predictive contribution of the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) to prognosis and mortality was evaluated. A total of 295 patients (158 (53.6%) men and 137 (46.4%) women) were included. When compared for primary tumour types, colorectal cancers were the most common with 55 (18.6%) cases, followed by breast cancers at 52 (17.6%), pancreatic carcinoma at 50 (16.9%), and stomach cancers at 40 (13.6%) cases. In the survival analyses of all three MELD scores (MELD-Original, MELD-Na, and MELD 3.0) between <20 groups and ≥20 groups, the median Overall Survival (OS) for MELD-Original was 1.44 vs. 0.88 months (p<0.001), for MELD- Na it was 1.64 vs. 0.85 months (p<0.001), and for MELD 3.0 it was 2.16 vs. 1.28 months (p=0.039). In the ROC analysis, the SII parameter cut-off was ≥626.28 for the estimation of mortality, SII sensitivity was 78.7%, and specificity was 100% (p=0.013). Combined use of MELD and SII scores in patients with solid tumours with hepatic visceral crises will be practical, cost-effective, and easy to access, eliminate gender-based disparities, and contribute to clinical follow-ups with objective data. Malignant neoplasm, MELD score, MELD-Na, MELD 3.0, SII.

Radiation oncologists' scope of practice and role in cancer management in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore: Are we clinicians or technicians?

To evaluate the scope of practice and role in cancer management for radiation oncologists in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore (ANZ). A 27-question survey was emailed to all practicing radiation oncologists listed on the RANZCR database in mid-2021. There was a 54% response rate. Respondents reported managing symptoms associated with radiation therapy (96%), cancer-related symptoms (86%), writing narcotic and analgesic prescriptions (76%), being involved in palliative care (57%), prescribing non-cytotoxic systemic therapy (45%), and admitting patients (41%). Just over 20% wanted to expand their scope of practice, but for those who were unable to, insufficient time (35%), inter-specialty political difficulties (14%), and lack of support from the organisation (12%) were the major reasons. Over half of respondents (56.4%) thought they provided an opinion on the overall role of cancer management. Just under 20% provided a radiation therapy opinion only and <1% provided radiation therapy at the request of the referring clinician. The remainder reported a combination of these. Over 80% of respondents thought their ideal role was to be involved in overall cancer management and 20% believed they should be providing an opinion on radiation therapy only. The ideal role matched the actual role in over 87% of respondents and most respondents thought radiation oncology training enabled an opinion on overall cancer management. Over 90% of respondents were satisfied with their current role in cancer management. Radiation oncologists felt they were perceived as independent clinicians and the large majority (87%) thought radiation oncologists should be part of a multidisciplinary team rather than leaders in cancer management. This study has revealed a broad but expected scope of practice for ANZ radiation oncologists with the large majority providing an opinion on overall cancer management or radiation therapy and their ideal role matching their actual role.

A Qualitative Study of Participant Perceptions of a Cancer Research Education Program.

Kentucky ranks first in the nation in cancer incidence and mortality rates, with the greatest burden of disease being in the Appalachian region. The cancer disparities in the Appalachian region of the state are tied to high poverty rates, low education attainment, low health care access, and high rates of poor health behaviors, such as tobacco use. The University of Kentucky (UK) Markey Cancer Center (MCC) developed the Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) program to address the cancer and education disparities in the region. ACTION is a two-year program that focuses on cancer education and training for high school and undergraduate students from Appalachian Kentucky and features a variety of cancer-focused training activities, including faculty-mentored cancer research, clinical shadowing opportunities, cancer education activities, career development support, and community outreach projects. ACTION has been funded by the National Cancer Institute as a Youth Enjoy Science R25 research education program since 2018. The qualitative study herein used a semi-structured interview approach to identify participants' perceptions of the program including the influential aspects that have helped students pursue their desired academic career paths. Ten ACTION alumni were chosen to participate in the study, including students currently in medical school, graduate school, physician assistant school, and pharmacy school. Thematic analysis generated five themes: motivation for participation, career development, mentorship and future opportunities, knowledge gained, and program improvements. Overall, this study demonstrates that the ACTION program is having a significant impact on students' career preparation.

Feasibility and Acceptability of an Online Oncologist Training to Optimize Oncologist-Patient Communication and Value-Concordant Care in Advanced Cancer.

Introduction: This pilot study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a low-resource-intensive scalable online communication training designed to improve oncologists' skills in prognostic and value-concordant care discussions with advanced cancer patients. Methods: The training consisted of on-demand videos on how to convey prognostic information, manage patient emotions, and elicit patient values and incorporate these values into treatment decision making. Post-intervention, oncologists reported on their perceptions of the training. Results: Fifteen oncologists were enrolled, of whom, 13 completed the training, and 14 completed post-intervention interviews. Most oncologists reported the intervention was acceptable: 92.9% indicated the intervention was "moderately" to "very helpful"; 78.6% rated it as "somewhat" to "very much" impactful on their communication with patients. Conclusions: The present self-paced online communication training was acceptable to oncologists, supporting additional research, including evaluating intervention efficacy for improving oncologists' communication skills and value-concordant care in advanced cancer.

Exploring Family Physician Training Needs to Improve Cancer Patient Care.

Family physicians have multifaceted roles in cancer patient care and oncology education among this group is unfortunately inadequate. This study explored the needs and perspectives of family physicians regarding their oncology training and experiences. As well, physician cancer care experiences, knowledge use, and continuing education practices were elucidated. The authors employed a qualitative approach with family physicians participating in semi-structured interviews. General practitioners in oncology were excluded. Purposeful sampling was used, with recruitment through Ontario regional primary cancer care leads and social media. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted. Thirteen participants were interviewed-1.6:1 female: male, ages 30-39, practicing for an average of 9 years (0.5-30 years), with urban and suburban practices. Most trained in Canada as undergraduates and completed their residency in Ontario; 62% had participated in at least one oncology continuing medical education session. Three major themes emerged: delineation of roles, oncology knowledge and education, and palliative care. Participants reported role uncertainty after cancer diagnosis, with oncology teaching at all levels described as lacking relevance. Palliative care rotations were an avenue for oncology education and where participants returned to cancer care. Changing existing teaching, information access, and avenues of oncology experiences may be the next step to supporting successful cancer care by family physicians.

Editorial introductions.

Editorial introductions.

The application of pringle manoeuvre, type three liver mobilisation, full thickness diaphragmatic resection with primary closure technique and peritonectomy in the management of advanced ovarian malignancy.

We present an educational technique for the safe completion of complete cytoreduction of diaphragmatic disease for the management of advanced ovarian malignancy. We demonstrated these steps with attention to anatomical landmarks and surgical approaches, considering intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a 49-year-old female patient diagnosed with suspected stage 3C ovarian malignancy following diagnostic laparoscopy. We demonstrate the surgical application of the Pringle maneuver, type 3 liver mobilization, and full-thickness diaphragmatic resection. This was completed with a primary closure technique, with integrity ensured through the performance of an air test and Valsalva maneuver. Final histology confirmed a serous borderline tumor with invasive implants within a port site nodule (stage 4A). This technique affirms the essential skills in gynecological oncology training and details a challenging case requiring advanced surgical skills and knowledge, with specific consideration for intraoperative multidisciplinary decision-making.

ASO Author Reflections: Advancing Racial Diversity and Gender Equity in Surgical Oncology Training: Addressing Imbalances and Building Inclusion.

ASO Author Reflections: Advancing Racial Diversity and Gender Equity in Surgical Oncology Training: Addressing Imbalances and Building Inclusion.

Technology-Enhanced Learning in the Education of Oncology Medical Professionals: A Systematic Literature Review

As cancer continues to be a significant global health challenge, the education of oncology professionals plays a crucial role in providing quality cancer care and achieving optimal patient outcomes. In order to meet the growing need for flexible, accessible, and effective training, this study examines the role of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) in the education of oncology medical professionals. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review included 34 articles published between 2012 and 2022 in EBSCO and PubMed databases. Findings reveal a diverse range of digital tools being used in oncology training, despite a shortage of advanced educational technologies and limited functional improvement compared to traditional instruction. Since the training primarily targeted at multiple professions in the medical expert role, with radiation oncologists being overrepresented, other oncology domains should be examined more thoroughly in the future, taking into account distinct professional abilities, e.g. communication, collaboration, and leadership skills with reference to the CanMEDS framework. Although the training programmes generally resulted in positive outcomes according to the Kirkpatrick evaluation model, experimental research designs were rather limited. Therefore, the substantial contribution and limitations of TEL in oncology education need to be clarified. Precise reporting of digital tools and instructional processes, as well as challenges encountered, is highly recommended to increase transparency and replicability. Research methodology in digital oncology education remains a major concern and should be addressed accordingly in future research.

Some Pertinent Solutions to the Challenges Faced by the Pakistani Healthcare Systems

Health systems worldwide face various challenges. Disparities are evident among different geographic locations. There are several hurdles in providing high-quality professional education, especially in low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including insufficient basic infrastructure and a shortage of professionally trained staff. This issue presents a particular risk in LMICs that are ill-equipped to deal with complex and expensive treatments [1, 2]. Although developing and enhancing educational programs to yield more healthcare professionals is constructive, these efforts need to be accompanied by educational structuring that will provide postgraduates with the necessary competencies [3]. It is not uncommon for the patients in LMICs with a potentially curable disease to receive sub-optimal treatment because of a lack of competencies and a caring attitude. This prompts some interesting challenges around the speciality training of postgraduates. In particular, what we are trying to achieve in modern oncology training programmes? Are current examination systems an effective test of knowledge, skills, and safety to practice? And, if so, are they sufficient to prepare for independent practice? Or should training programmes incorporate non-clinical skills related to issues? Interestingly, according to World Health Organization (W.H.O.), there are six elements or system building blocks of the health system that includes (i) service delivery, (ii) health workforce, (iii) health information systems, (iv) access to essential medicines, (v) financing, and (vi) leadership/governance [4]. We believe that these elements overlap with our proposal of inclusion of non-clinical leadership skills during their early years so that they are aware of the gaps and develop a mindset to improve the healthcare system by themselves. In this paper, we propose these five concepts to be inducted into our postgraduate training that will pave the way to improve our healthcare system.

Trends in Racial and Gender Diversity Among Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Trainees.

This study examines trends in racial and gender diversity of trainees within Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowships, and compares the racial and gender proportions of trainees across different fields to assess potential barriers to increasing diversity within surgical oncology training programs. Accredited Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) data were queried to identify surgical trainees between 2013 and 2021. Trainees were identified based on self-reported race and gender and were stratified based on residency type and fellowship program type if applicable. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between groups and trends. A significantly lower proportion of individuals who are underrepresented in medicine (URMs) trained in surgical oncology fellowships (8.9%) compared with both the overall trainee pool (12.8%) and general surgery residency programs (13.1%) [p<0.05]. There was no significant increase in URM representation in surgical oncology fellowships across the study period. Furthermore, there was a significantly lower proportion of females training in surgical oncology fellowships (38.6%) compared with the overall trainee pool (45.6%) [p<0.05]. Despite a significant increase in female representation in general surgery residency and other surgical fellowships, there was no significant increase in female representation in surgical oncology fellowships across the study period. This study identifies disparities in gender and racial minority representation within ACGME-accredited Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship training programs. While steps have been taken to expand diversity, more needs to be done to combat the systemic barriers that both racial minorities and women face during their training.

Attitudes and Perception of the REFLECT Communication Curriculum for Clinical Oncology Graduate Medical Education

Communication and interpersonal skills are essential components of oncology patient care. The REFLECT (Respect, Empathy, Facilitate Effective Communication, Listen, Elicit Information, Compassion, and Teach Others) curriculum is a novel framework to improve and refine physician/patient interactions for oncology graduate medical trainees. We seek to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of the REFLECT communication curriculum among oncology trainees. Seven-question and 8-question Likert scale surveys (1 = not beneficial and 5 = beneficial) were distributed to resident/fellow participants and faculty mentors, respectively. Questions asked trainees and faculty about their perceptions of improvement in communication, handling of stressful situations, the value of the curriculum, and overall impression of the curriculum. Descriptive statistics determined the survey’s baseline characteristics and response rates. Kruskal–Wallis rank sum tests were used to compare the distribution of continuous variables. Thirteen resident/fellow participants completed the participant survey. Six (43.6%) Radiation Oncology trainees and 7 (58.3%) Hematology/Oncology fellows completed the trainee survey. Eight (88.9%) Radiation Oncologists and 1 (11.1%) Medical Oncologist completed the observer survey. Faculty and trainees generally felt that the curriculum increased communication skills. Faculty responded more favorably to the program’s impact on communication skills (median 5.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.008). Faculty were more assertive about the curriculum’s capabilities to improve a learner’s ability to handle stressful situations (median 5.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.003). Additionally, faculty had a more favorable overall impression of the REFLECT curriculum than the residents/fellows (median 5.0 vs. 4.0, p < 0.001). Radiation Oncology residents felt more strongly that the curriculum enhanced their ability to handle stressful topics, compared to Heme/Onc fellows (median 4.5 vs. 3.0, range 1–5, p = 0.379). Radiation Oncology trainees felt more consistently that the workshops improved their communication skills, compared to Heme/Onc fellows (median 4.5 vs. 3.5, range 1–5, p = 0.410). The overall impression between Rad Onc resident and Heme/Onc fellows was similar (median 4.0, p = 0.586). Conclusions: Overall, the REFLECT curriculum enhanced communication skills of trainees. Oncology trainees and faculty physicians feel that the curriculum was beneficial. As interactive skills and communication is critical to build positive interactions, further work is needed to improve the REFLECT curriculum.