ASCO-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Groups in the World

Abstract

PURPOSE In 2015, ASCO established a program designed to support medical interest in cancer-related careers: Oncology Student Interest Groups (OSIGs). The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of current student leaders of ASCO-sponsored OSIGs and their perceptions of cancer-related careers. METHODS We reviewed the list of all ASCO-sponsored OSIGs between 2015 and 2021. For this study, we focused on OSIGs that were sponsored during the 2019-2020 academic year. All student leaders of the 89 OSIGs active in that academic year were invited to participate. RESULTS The number of groups has more than tripled in the 6 years since the program's inception. The number of international groups has increased to become almost one fifth of all OSIGs; however, the range of countries represented remains limited. The majority of OSIG leaders were female. Eighty two percent of OSIGs were returning members, with most of their leaders being registered ASCO student members. Almost all participants reported an interest in pursuing a cancer-related specialty. Only a minority (14.8%) reported having a family member working in a cancer-related career. However, 85% reported having experience with a cancer diagnosis in their family. The majority of the respondents had a favorable perception of medical oncology as a specialty. Participants reported the highest levels of interest in medical oncology and pediatric oncology. CONCLUSION The number of ASCO-sponsored OSIGs has steadily increased since the creation of the program. Most participants reported an interest in pursuing a cancer-related career. To our knowledge, this study is the first to provide insights into the makeup of this program around the world. Additional efforts are needed to increase the global reach of the program, particularly in low-income countries.

Current State of Entry-level Physical Therapy Oncology Curricula in the United States: A Faculty Survey

“…The program involved 50 medical schools in Turkey with approximately 300 students who reported an increase in knowledge after the offering. 49 A physical therapist educational program can leverage this knowledge and create an entry-level curriculum and instruction. This proactiveness will decrease the postgraduate education barriers, potential inadequate care provided by generalists, and poor interest in advanced oncology rehabilitation education and certification.…”

Activities Performed by ASCO-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Groups in Latin America: Assessing Members' Preferences and Leaders' Challenges

“…6 Although in the United States this caseload is met, alarmingly, Latin American, Asian, and African middle-income countries have a mean of 0.49, 0.79, and 0.36 medical doctors involved in the care of patients with cancer per 150 new cancer cases, respectively. 7 Growing evidence shows that oncology interest groups are a promising and feasible strategy to cultivate an early interest in oncology and increase knowledge in cancer-related specialties. [1][2][3] In response to the global shortage of oncologists, in 2015, ASCO established a program to sponsor Oncology Student Interest Groups (OSIGs) which are formed by medical students and/or residents, designed to increase oncology exposure at medical schools and shape the future oncology workforce.…”

“…6 Although in the United States this caseload is met, alarmingly, Latin American, Asian, and African middle-income countries have a mean of 0.49, 0.79, and 0.36 medical doctors involved in the care of patients with cancer per 150 new cancer cases, respectively. 7 …”

“…Recent studies that included OSIG members around the globe found that the majority of members were interested in pursuing an oncology-related specialty and thought that participating in an OSIG further increased this interest and promoted valuable networking opportunities. 7 In Latin American middle-income countries, 94% of OSIG members agreed/strongly agreed that their participation in their school's OSIG had increased their interest in a medical specialty related to cancer treatment. 8 In this way, OSIGs have a potential role in contributing to overcome the worldwide oncologist shortage.…”