RECON: A trainee-led, needs-informed professional development and global connectivity model for young oncologists in low- and middle-income countries.

Abstract

9039 Background: Oncology trainees and early-career oncologists (ECOs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) face persistent gaps in structured mentorship, research exposure, and non-clinical professional skills, limiting academic development and global engagement. In response, the Residents & Early Career Oncologists Network (RECON) was established in 2024 under the Society of Medical Oncology Pakistan as a national, trainee-led, needs-informed initiative delivering scalable, low-cost, collaborative educational interventions aligned with learner priorities. Methods: RECON implemented a needs-informed, multi-component professional development framework for oncology trainees and ECOs (≤5 years post-training) across Pakistan. Core components included: (1) structured mentorship; (2) digital education via the Second Opinion Podcast addressing non-clinical competencies; (3) conference-linked outreach workshops on abstract preparation and peer networking; and (4) monthly international virtual oncology case rounds with young oncologists from Türkiye. Engagement was prospectively tracked, and post-session surveys assessed acceptability and self-reported learning outcomes using 5-point Likert scales (1–5). Results: RECON enrolled 104 members (79 trainees, 25 ECOs) and engaged 32 national and international faculty mentors. Baseline survey data (n = 104) demonstrated substantial unmet needs across multiple professional domains, with high interest in professional development (83%), research collaboration (80%), mentorship opportunities (61%), and general networking (60%). Digital education initiatives achieved over 10,000 cumulative podcast views, and three national outreach workshops engaged 155 participants. Post-session surveys from the case rounds series (n = 37) demonstrated high acceptability, with 92% rating sessions as very good or excellent. Participants reported greater confidence in international oncology case discussions (84% rating 4–5) and improved ability to critically appraise alternative management approaches (81% rating 4–5). International perspectives were rated as highly relevant to clinical practice. Conclusions: This early evaluation demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of a national, trainee-led, needs-informed initiative in an LMIC setting. RECON’s low-cost, digitally enabled model was associated with high engagement and perceived educational value, particularly in fostering global connectivity and professional confidence among oncology trainees and ECOs. Future evaluation will explore longitudinal outcomes and support iterative refinement, with consideration of adaptation across similar resource-limited contexts.