Integrating Leadership Development Into Radiation Oncology Training: A Qualitative Analysis of Resident Interviews

Radiation oncologists need to have more than sound clinical and technical competencies. To optimize care for patients and advance all aspects of radiation oncology (RO), radiation oncologists must also be effective leaders. Embedding systematic leadership education into RO training programs is challenging. This study examined RO residents' perspectives and preferences relating to leadership education. Such data inform the integration of universal leadership learning into RO training in Australia and New Zealand and identify priority areas to facilitate successful leadership development initiatives in RO training programs worldwide.

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 13 RO residents across 8 Australian training departments and all stages of training. Data from transcriptions of taped interviews were coded by at least 2 researchers and collected to saturation. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using an iterative inductive process to develop codes into themes and subthemes. Representative quotes were collated to illustrate subthemes.

Four key themes related to leadership education were identified and labeled as follows: (1) recognition, credibility, and value of education; (2) logistics of formal learning; (3) real-world opportunities ("seeing and doing"); and (4) one size does not fit all. Residents unanimously reported that formal leadership education was important and that aspects of becoming a good leader could be learned. Organizational and cultural factors emerged as either barriers or facilitators to learning. There was strong support for interactive methods of learning, and role-modeling by senior colleagues was identified as having a major effect on junior learners.

This study offers insight into RO residents' perspectives of and preferences for their own leadership development. The findings have practical implications for the design of effective RO leadership programs and bring the RO field one step closer to the ultimate goal of enhancing leadership capability for all RO professionals.