Radiation Oncology Residency Training in Saudi Arabia: Direction in Attaining Competencies

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiation Oncology
• Oncology

Background:

• Radiation therapy is a vital cancer treatment modality, evolving with technological advancements.
• The Saudi radiation oncology residency program, established in 2019, aims to address workforce needs.
• Assessing current training experiences is crucial for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey radiation oncology residents' experiences across Saudi Arabia.
• To establish a baseline for training aspects and identify challenges.
• To improve the quality of radiation oncology residency education.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was distributed to radiation oncology residents (excluding first-years) in Saudi Arabia.
• The survey assessed residents' involvement in daily clinical workflow aspects.
• A national response rate of 85% was achieved with 11 participants.

Main Results:

• Most residents (82%) prefer in-person reviews of contours and treatment plans with attendings for enhanced teaching and feedback.
• A majority of respondents reported limited involvement in reviewing offline (64%) or online (55%) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.
• Trainees cited insufficient involvement in the CBCT approval process as a key issue.

Conclusions:

• There is a need to improve resident integration into daily clinical workflows, particularly in CBCT review and approval.
• Addressing these gaps can enhance the educational experience and future practice of radiation oncologists.
• Identified deficiencies in core competencies align with findings from established programs, highlighting the need for continuous evaluation.