[The oncology residency program in French overseas]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Oncology residency programs in French overseas territories (Antilles-Guyana, Indian Ocean) have distinct characteristics.
• These particularities stem from local cancer epidemiology, demographics, and healthcare/university structures.
• The training of oncology residents in these specific subdivisions remains under-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the oncology residency training within French overseas territories.
• To contextualize this training with regional epidemiological data and the oncology care landscape.
• To highlight the specificities and recent developments in oncology education in these areas.

Main Methods:

• Review of oncology residency training programs in the Antilles-Guyana and Indian Ocean subdivisions.
• Analysis of epidemiological data related to cancer in French overseas territories.
• Assessment of the current oncology care provision and university teaching structures.

Main Results:

• Over the past decade, training has primarily focused on oncology-radiotherapy, with some in medical oncology.
• The residency program is experiencing a resurgence in university education.
• This revival aligns with advancements in technical and human resources within regional cancer centers.

Conclusions:

• Oncology residency training in French overseas territories is adapting to local needs and improving.
• The development of specialized training reflects the growing capacity of cancer care and education in these regions.
• Further understanding of these unique training pathways is crucial for advancing oncology care globally.