The Impact of a Pilot Oncology Summer Internship on Oncology Awareness Among Early Medical Students from Underrepresented Backgrounds: A Mixed-Methods Study.
Alexa R Wilden, Curtis Liu, Neha Khuntia, Samira Syed
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Oncology is a field of medicine projected to face provider shortages as cancer prevalence rises. Moreover, the diversity of oncologists remains subpar compared to that of the general population despite initiatives to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds (UIM). Thus, first-year UIM medical students interested in oncology were invited to participate in a 4-week oncology summer internship (OSI) to gain clinical exposure and mentorship experiences. The OSI connected students with oncologists for mentorship, provided tours of oncologic facilities, and coordinated shadowing opportunities. The impact of the OSI was assessed via a mixed-methods approach. Pre- and post-survey data were collected from eight of the nine OSI students. Quantitative data demonstrated improvement of students' understanding of oncology as a discipline, for example its training pathways (p = .02), and awareness of patient experiences in oncology, for example socioeconomic challenges (p = .008). Students reported an increased ability to identify with those in oncology and identify mentors in the field (p = .03 and p = .05, respectively). Qualitative data demonstrated continued interest in oncology with increased commentary on the patient experience and social determinants of health. Post-survey, students provided more commentary on the need for diversity in the field and possible increased professional connections in medicine. The OSI improved students' understanding of oncology and oncology patient experiences with potentially increased identification of and connection with others in the field. Further work will focus on assessing the impact of future OSIs on professional identity formation.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Cancer Education, the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) and the European Association for Cancer Education (EACE), is an international, quarterly journal dedicated to the publication of original contributions dealing with the varied aspects of cancer education for physicians, dentists, nurses, students, social workers and other allied health professionals, patients, the general public, and anyone interested in effective education about cancer related issues.
Articles featured include reports of original results of educational research, as well as discussions of current problems and techniques in cancer education. Manuscripts are welcome on such subjects as educational methods, instruments, and program evaluation. Suitable topics include teaching of basic science aspects of cancer; the assessment of attitudes toward cancer patient management; the teaching of diagnostic skills relevant to cancer; the evaluation of undergraduate, postgraduate, or continuing education programs; and articles about all aspects of cancer education from prevention to palliative care.
We encourage contributions to a special column called Reflections; these articles should relate to the human aspects of dealing with cancer, cancer patients, and their families and finding meaning and support in these efforts.
Letters to the Editor (600 words or less) dealing with published articles or matters of current interest are also invited.
Also featured are commentary; book and media reviews; and announcements of educational programs, fellowships, and grants.
Articles should be limited to no more than ten double-spaced typed pages, and there should be no more than three tables or figures and 25 references. We also encourage brief reports of five typewritten pages or less, with no more than one figure or table and 15 references.