Exploring the role of professional cancer societies in spreading awareness about oncology to undergraduate medical students: Experiences from Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

e21013 Background: Medical students in India are not formally exposed to evidence based, multi-disciplinary oncology care in their undergraduate curriculum. The educational potential of tumor boards as a platform for medical education in team-based care, inter-professional skills and system based practice is also under utilised. Our KAP study on perceptions of oncology as a career choice among medical students showed that current medical curriculum lacked adequate exposure to oncology. Professional cancer societies also have traditionally not contributed much to undergraduate medical education. Against this background, Tamil Nadu Association of Surgical Oncology (TASO) initiated an educational programme in medical students to increase awareness about Oncology. Aim of the current study is to analyse results from this novel initiative and develop a reproducible educational programme for medical students. Methods: TASO conducted 7 one-day educational programmes titled "Oncology for Undergraduate Medical Students" (CARCINOS series) from April to December 2024 across various cities in Tamil Nadu, India designed and delivered by oncology faculty to cover principles of oncology, concepts of multidisciplinary care, survivorship and palliative care, and Research and Career Opportunities in Oncology. They included didactic lectures, interactive student tumour boards, quizzes and discussions. Feedback from students were obtained from pre and post test quizzes and semi-structured written feedbacks. Feedback from faculty were obtained verbally or as semi-structured written feedbacks. Results: A total of 2711 students from 18 medical colleges participated in the programme. Target audience were the Final (4th year) MBBS students (59%), while students from other years including interns also attended. A total of 163 faculty participated in the programmes (mean= 20 faculty/programme) and the mean number of topics covered was 10. Overall, the programmes received a positive feedback from the students (meeting or exceeding their expectations : 91%). Constructive suggestions for improvement included time management, adding more breaks and icebreaking sessions, adding case discussions and workshops and including compulsory oncology rotations in the undergraduate curriculum. Concepts of Multidisciplinary care (tumour boards) and Research and Career Opportunities in Oncology were the favourite topics for students. Feedback from faculty included organising the programme at regular intervals on an yearly basis and incorporating such teaching into the curriculum. Conclusions: Professional cancer societies can play a vital role in filling the gaps in undergraduate medical curriculum in oncology. However, it is important to develop a reproducible and sustainable programme that can be delivered regularly to make such initiatives a success.