Residents' educational needs during transition into radiation oncology residency

The aim of this study was to assess current practices, strengths, and deficiencies in the orientation process for incoming radiation oncology (RO) residents.

An institutional review board-approved anonymous survey was distributed electronically to RO residents in postgraduate years 2 to 5 and those in their first postgraduate years. Questions were included on the type and utility of orientation materials received by residents before and upon entering RO residency.

Responses were received from 25.3% of all current and recent residents. Most residents (81.3%) had 2 or 3 months of prior experience rotating in clinical RO. Orientation materials in RO were received by 74.1% of residents before starting residency. An orientation at the start of RO residency was received by 95.4% of RO residents. Orientation length was <1 hour in 2.8%, 1 hour to a half day in 7.8%, more than a half day but <1 full day in 21.8%, >1 full day but <1 week in 45.8%, and >1 week but <1 month in 20.1%. Almost half of RO residents (48.4%) felt that an RO orientation was essential, but only 11.3% of residents felt that their orientation programs were essential. A statistically significant Spearman's correlation was observed between programs with longer orientation and increased helpfulness of orientation (ρ = 0.26, P = .008). Residents with more components in their onsite orientations felt that their orientations were more helpful (ρ = 0.407, P < .001).

Radiation oncology residents could benefit from a more comprehensive orientation, including a broader array of materials sent to incoming residents for their review before starting residency and a more extensive onsite orientation.