Precision Cancer Medicine: Dynamic Learning of Cancer Biology in a Clinically Meaningful Context

Precision medicine is revolutionizing healthcare practices, most notably in oncology. With cancer being the second leading cause of death in the USA, it is important to integrate precision oncology content in undergraduate medical education.

In 2015, we launched a Clinical Cancer Medicine Integrated Science Course (ISC) for post-clerkship medical students at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM). In this ISC, students learned cancer biology and clinical oncology concepts through a combination of classroom and patient care activities. Student feedback from mid- and end-of-course surveys and student match data were analyzed and used to develop ongoing course improvements.

To date, 72 medical students have taken the Clinical Cancer Medicine ISC. Over 90% of students who completed end-of-course surveys agreed or strongly agreed that this course advanced their foundational science knowledge in clinical cancer medicine, that clinical relevance was provided during non-clinical foundational science learning activities, and that foundational science learning was embedded in course clinical experiences. Students who took this course most commonly matched in Internal Medicine, Pathology, Pediatrics, and Radiation Oncology. VUSM students who matched into Pathology and Radiation Oncology were more likely to take this ISC than students who matched in other specialties.

The Clinical Cancer Medicine ISC serves as a model for incorporating precision oncology, cancer biology foundational science, and oncology patient care activities in undergraduate medical education. The course prepares students to care for oncology patients in their fields of interests during their future career in medicine.