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.
Notes
Support by a research grant from Pfizer Oncology.