Abstract
Subspecialty exposure during medical school can be limited. Moreover, the COVID19 pandemic prevented most onsite elective medical student (MS) rotations during 2020. Therefore, we sought to create and assess the efficacy of an informal virtual elective (IVE) for MSs to explore radiation oncology (RO) at our institution. We created IVE activities including invitations to resident didactics, a faculty lecture series, and interactive virtual events with residents and faculty. MSs were offered RO resident and faculty mentors and the opportunity to deliver a lecture. Pre- and post-IVE evaluation surveys were sent to 27 4th year MSs. Surveys utilized importance ordering (1=most important; reported as median (interquartile range), free response, and Likert-type questions (5 = extremely, 1=not at all). Our IVE, held from July to October 2020, had a median of 11 students (range 7–18) attend each activity. Pre- and post-IVE surveys were completed by 22/27 (81%) and 20/27 (74%) MSs, respectively. In pre-IVE, MSs reported participating in the IVE for faculty/resident interaction (1.5 [1, 2]), networking (3 [2, 3]), and learning (4 [3,4,5]). In post-IVE, MSs reported benefit from faculty mentors (5 [4, 5]), delivering a presentation (5 [3,4,5]), and faculty lectures (4.5 [4, 5]). In post-IVE, MSs preferred a full onsite away elective (16, 80%) over an official virtual elective (1, 5%) or IVE (3, 15%). Overall, MSs reported that the IVE provided an adequate introduction to RO at our institution (4 [4, 5]). Alternative virtual elective experiences allow MSs to informally evaluate medical subspecialties and could be offered even if formal elective opportunities are available.
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Data analyzed for this manuscript includes survey data and will not be available for reuse.
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This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute, Cancer Center Support (Core) (grant CA 016672) to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
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Jillian R. Gunther, M.D., Ph.D.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, survey editing, data analysis, manuscript writing and editing
Denise De La Cruz, Ed.D., M.Ed.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, survey writing and implementation, manuscript editing
David Boyce-Fappiano, M.D.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Annette Eakes Ponnie, M.S.W.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Letericia Smith, BSBA
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Emma B. Holliday, M.D.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Andrew J. Bishop, M.D.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Seuntaek L. Choi, M.D.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Albert C. Koong, M.D., Ph.D.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Prajnan Das, M.D., M. S., M.P.H
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript editing
Chelsea C. Pinnix, M.D., Ph.D.
Contribution: design and implementation of elective, manuscript writing and editing
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This protocol (2020–1162) was reviewed by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The protocol was determined to meet eligibility criteria for IRB review exemption.
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Jillian Gunther reports unrelated funding through an RSNA Education Scholars Grant as well as compensation for participation in the Maryland Oral Boards Review Course and the Osler Review Course. No additional authors report any relevant conflicts of interest.
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Gunther, J.R., De La Cruz, D., Boyce-Fappiano, D. et al. Implementation and Assessment of an Informal Virtual Elective for Medical Student Radiation Oncology Exploration During the COVID19 Pandemic: a Brief Report. J Canc Educ 38, 344–348 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-021-02122-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-021-02122-y