The Holman Research Pathway in Radiation Oncology: 2010 to 2019

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Education
• Physician-Scientist Training

Background:

• The Holman Research Pathway (HRP) is a critical training program for radiation oncology (RO) residents.
• A comprehensive assessment of the HRP's impact in the modern era is overdue.
• Understanding resident outcomes is vital for program improvement and future physician-scientist development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the demographic characteristics of residents in the Holman Research Pathway (HRP).
• To assess research productivity during and after residency for HRP graduates.
• To analyze job placements and National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant funding among HRP alumni.

Main Methods:

• A database of RO residents who completed the HRP between 2010-2019 was compiled.
• Demographic data, publication records (during residency and post-residency), and employment information were collected.
• NIH grant funding and career trajectories were identified for each participant.

Main Results:

• Ninety-seven HRP residents were analyzed; the majority were male (82.5%), held PhDs (92.8%), and identified as white (64.9%).
• Graduates demonstrated significant research productivity, with a mean of 2.2 first-author publications during residency and 1.5 first- or last-author publications within 30 months post-residency.
• Nearly all (99%) secured full-time clinical positions, with 78.4% entering academia, and 34% receiving NIH grants, including 15 R-01 awards.

Conclusions:

• The HRP is effective in training physician investigators in radiation oncology.
• HRP graduates exhibit high research output and successful career placement in academic settings.
• Future HRP cohorts should prioritize diversity in sex, educational background, and race to enhance representation.