Oncology and medical education—past, present and future

Abstract

Oncologists should contribute to the undergraduate curriculum whenever they can, and should teach communication skills, acute oncology, prescribing, and other transferable skills. Newly qualified doctors will care for many patients with cancer in their first years of work, and all doctors need to know when an urgent oncology referral is required and to be aware of the pace of change in oncology. Oncologists should involve their patients in teaching whenever it is appropriate. We should aim to inspire junior doctors to consider a career in oncology. The oncology education community should adopt new teaching methods, for example simulation, mock MDTs and student led clinics. CPD provided by honorable organisations, including online learning, is becoming more important for oncologists to keep up to date.

The Perception of Medical Science Undergraduates on Molecular Oncology Webinars: Experience Report

“…In the field of oncology, the transition between methods is even more demanding as it is considered a relative new discipline and postgraduate specialty. Only 36% of medical schools include oncology learning in their undergraduate curriculum, according to a study from 2011 (Cave, 2016). Notwithstanding, the population of survivors and patients with cancer is growing increasingly, which highlights the importance of oncology knowledge and research for all health care professionals (Mckillip et al, 2017).…”

BONUS: the National Oncology Network for Students and Junior Doctors

“…Oncology resources relevant to medical students are limited, and placement time for medical students is typically short [6,7]. In 2021, BONUS organised revision days for medical school final examinations, covering the subjects of oncology, haematology and palliative care, which 451 delegates registered to attend.…”

“…In 2019, the RCR launched the Undergraduate Oncology Societies Association (UOSA), but we are not aware of any other undergraduate oncology schemes or initiatives similar to BONUS that exist in the UK [5]. BONUS was founded in 2016 by medical students from Scottish universities who felt that oncology teaching during undergraduate medical education was limited and that many students had a poor knowledge of a career in oncology [6,7].…”

SICKO. Development of a Multi-Disciplinary Training-Concept for Paediatric Oncology

“…There is a growing body of evidence that recently board-certified physicians and residents lack confidence in their communication skills [7,9]. This shortcoming is compounded by the fact that oncology is rarely a major topic in most medical education programmes [3].…”