Exploring Motivating Factors for Pursuing Radiation Oncology: A Comparative Analysis of Medical Students and Residents.

Autor:	Chai BS; Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN., Dosani M; Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Victoria Centre, Victoria, CAN., Kong T; Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, CAN., Ingledew PA; Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, CAN.
Jazyk:	angličtina
Zdroj:	Cureus [Cureus] 2024 Aug 21; Vol. 16 (8), pp. e67399. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Aug 21 (Print Publication: 2024).
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.67399
Abstrakt:	Purpose Increasing medical student (MS) interest in radiation oncology (RO) is important to meet the rising demand for radiation oncologists. Understanding the factors that drive MS to pursue RO is crucial. This study compares motivating factors between MS and RO residents to inform interventions to increase recruitment and sustained interest in the specialty. Methods Data from two similar studies investigating factors motivating MS and residents to pursue RO were analyzed. The first study surveyed Canadian RO residents to characterize enablers when applying for RO residency. The second study analyzed application essays from MS applying to an RO studentship. A mixed methods approach was used to compare themes ("career aspects," "prior exposure," and "personal experiences") between the datasets. Results Qualitative analysis demonstrated that both MS and residents identified "career aspects" as the most common theme facilitating interest in RO careers. "Multidisciplinary work" and "direct clinical contact and patient care" were prominent sub-themes. MS emphasized "serious illness and palliative care" and "advanced technology," while residents prioritized RO as a "rewarding career." "Prior exposure," particularly through shadowing/observerships, was more important for MS than residents who valued clinical experiences. Practical career considerations including "mentorship" and "career satisfaction and lifestyle" were significant motivators for residents. Conclusion MS value content-based aspects of RO and emphasize shadowing. In contrast, RO residents prioritize lifestyle-based considerations. These differences highlight the opportunity for intervention throughout medical training to sustain interest in RO and facilitate applications to RO residency programs. Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. (Copyright © 2024, Chai et al.)
Databáze:	MEDLINE
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