Higher school of oncology: A decade of advancing oncology training in resource-limited settings.

Abstract

e21028 Background: Postgraduate oncology training in resource-limited (RL) countries is often short and lacks structured curricula and a competency focus. Expatriate physicians (EP), familiar with both RL and US healthcare systems, are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps and support the development of tailored training. This report outlines the 10-year development of the Higher School of Oncology (HSO), a program launched by EP for Russian oncologists in training. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study to assess HSO using an educational program evaluation framework, focusing on its input, processes, and product. Results: HSO began with a small team led by a US-based expatriate oncologist, supported by business and private donors. The first class included 9 medical graduates (acceptance rate [AR] 3.6%). Weekly journal clubs (JC) were the sole teaching format. To date, HSO is a comprehensive educational platform with an expanded team. Funding has diversified with more sponsors, fundraising events, and alumni-created educational courses for external learners. HSO remains competitive (median AR 4.5%) and attracts trainees from 38 Russian regions and 5 other post-Soviet countries. The curriculum has integrated diverse teaching methods to address competencies lacking in standard Russian residency. Over 10 years, 120 trainees have graduated, forming a close-knit community. Most alumni (n=101, 84.2%) remain in clinical practice, with 6 (5.0%) in lead roles(Table 1). Many (n=66, 55.0%) have contributed as teachers or program managers throughout HSO progress. Four trainee-driven national quality improvement (QI) projects have been launched. Conclusions: An EP-driven oncology education model, complementing standard residency in RL settings, is scalable and self-sustainable when trainees and alumni are actively involved. Further evaluation of trainee competencies and program reproducibility is needed. HSO program development. Component Description Input Team 3 EP, 3 local managers Trainees 9 medical graduates Funding 1 business & private donors Process Education Initially Weekly JC Current Seminars, JC Practice simulation (patient communication, tumor board) Electives (biostatistics, genetics) Peer-to-peer education, & in-hospital guidance by alumni Assessment - Biannual evaluation & feedback; capstone project Product Team CEO, program director, 9 managers, 27 teachers (96.3% HSO alumni) Alumni 63 medical, 33 surgical, 5 radiation, 7 pediatric oncologists & 12 pathologists Career & Research 101 (84.2%) - clinical field, 11 (9.2%) - non-clinical role, 3 (2.5%) - full-time research & 4 (3.3%) - non-medical career 97 (90.8%) work in Russia 30 (47.6%) medical oncologists are ESMO-certified 54 (48.3%) authored 1-10 publications, 4 (3.3%) > 50 publications National QI projects HSO Academy (online education), HSO Talks (media), Just Ask & OncoWiki (patient navigation & education)