A Model Oncologic Emergency Medicine Curriculum for Residency Training

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Oncology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Emergency medicine (EM) resident training in oncologic emergencies is limited, with identified knowledge gaps.
• Despite recognition of importance by 90% of program directors, no standardized curriculum exists.
• Current training fails to adequately prepare residents for managing complex cancer-related emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a focused 10-hour oncologic emergency curriculum for EM residents.
• To complement existing EM didactics and enhance recognition and management skills.
• To include education on novel therapies like CAR T-cell and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Main Methods:

• A 10-hour didactic curriculum designed for flexible integration into existing EM training.
• Content covers recognition, rapid diagnosis, and management of common oncologic emergencies.
• Curriculum suggested for introduction in the first postgraduate year and reinforcement in subsequent years.

Main Results:

• The proposed curriculum addresses identified gaps in oncologic emergency knowledge.
• Standardized modules and open-access online content are proposed for wide dissemination.
• Flexible delivery methods allow integration into current emergency medicine education structures.

Conclusions:

• A standardized 10-hour curriculum can significantly improve EM resident preparedness for oncologic emergencies.
• The proposed curriculum enhances understanding of cancer complications and evolving treatments.
• Open access educational materials will support widespread adoption and standardization.