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Oncology education in Canadian undergraduate and postgraduate training programs

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Abstract

Background. We evaluated the quality of oncology education in undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) training programs. Methods. We surveyed UG schools in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy as well as PG residencies in family and internal medicine to assess the programs' oncology content. Results. Among 58 UG and 26 PG programs nationwide, response rates were 58.6% and 69.2%, respectively. Cancer constituted <10% of the curriculum and <10% of the final examination in 70.6% and 58.8% of UG schools. For PG programs, most devoted more time to teaching other specialties: cardiology (89%), respirology (67%), nephrology (67%), and gastroenterology (61%). Conclusions. Oncology is underrepresented in current curriculums.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Cheung Winson Y. MD & Fishman Paula N. MD

  2. Division of Medical Oncology, Odette Cancer Center, 2075 Bayview Avenue, M4N 3M5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Verma Sunil MD

  3. Division of Hematology, Odette Cancer Center, Toronto, Canada

    Verma Sunil MD

Authors
  1. Cheung Winson Y. MD
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  2. Fishman Paula N. MD
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  3. Verma Sunil MD
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Correspondence to Verma Sunil MD.

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Cheung, W.Y., Fishman, P.N. & Verma, S. Oncology education in Canadian undergraduate and postgraduate training programs. J Canc Educ 24, 284–290 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190902973143

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