Improving Diversity and Inclusion in the Post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era Through a Radiation Oncology Intensive...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiation Oncology
• Diversity and Inclusion

Background:

• The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disrupted medical student training, particularly away rotations.
• This disruption disproportionately affects students underrepresented in medicine (UIM), potentially widening disparities in radiation oncology (RO).

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a virtual Radiation Oncology Intensive Shadowing Experience (RISE) to increase exposure for UIM students.
• To address the challenge of attracting diverse talent to RO during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A 1-week virtual curriculum was designed for fourth-year UIM students.
• The program included foundational RO exposure, didactic teaching, mentorship, and a capstone project.
• Recruitment utilized national organizations serving UIM medical students.

Main Results:

• RISE was successfully implemented at two academic medical centers, enrolling 12 UIM students.
• Pre- and post-clerkship surveys assessed participant satisfaction and program effectiveness.
• Data was collected from students, residents, and faculty.

Conclusions:

• A novel virtual shadowing experience was developed to bridge the exposure gap in radiation oncology for UIM students.
• The RISE program aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the radiation oncology field.
• This initiative provides a model for virtual medical education and mentorship.