One-Day Radiation Oncology Course for Medical Students from Medical Schools Without Affiliated Radiotherapy Centers

Abstract

Exposure to radiation oncology is limited for students at medical schools without affiliated radiotherapy centers. To address this barrier, a university-based radiation oncology division delivered a one-day radiation oncology course to medical students from medical schools without radiotherapy facilities. The course included lectures that covered the basic principles of radiotherapy, followed by a department visit to observe external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy workflows. A self-evaluated questionnaire was distributed upon completion of the course to evaluate the course format and students’ understanding of radiotherapy. During the academic year 2024, thirty-one students from two medical schools participated in the course. The course was well received by the participants. Self-evaluation indicated that most students had limited knowledge and understanding of radiation oncology prior to the course, but this improved following participation. Therefore, a one-day radiation oncology course is a feasible and effective approach to providing accessible radiation oncology education for medical students at institutions lacking radiotherapy facilities.