Approach to an Initial Oncologic Patient Encounter: A Simulation-Based Training for First-Year Medical Students

During an initial oncologic encounter, care providers must convey information and plans with confidence and empathy. First-year medical students often lack opportunities to develop the skills necessary for these challenging encounters. We developed a novel simulation-based training designed to prepare early-level medical students to demonstrate empathy, communicate care plans, and deliver bad news during initial oncologic patient visits.

Medical students in a summer research program participated. The session included a didactic, followed by 2 simulated patient encounters: a young woman with lymphoma and an older man with rectal cancer. Students rotated through roles as primary provider, secondary provider, family member, and observer. Each simulation was followed by a faculty-led debriefing. We collected postsession feedback using a mixed-methods evaluation. The activity lasted approximately 2 hours.

Of the 54 participants, 49 (91%) completed the evaluation. The results were highly positive, with 100% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that the simulation helped them apply knowledge practically and that they would use these skills in future practice. Qualitative feedback highlighted improvements in communication skills, the importance of empathy, and the need for adaptability. Participants identified the debriefing sessions, standardized patients, and active participation as the most valuable components.

This simulation is effective for preparing medical students for the complexities of initial oncologic patient encounters. It provides a safe environment for the practice and refinement of essential clinical and interpersonal skills, fostering a more empathetic and competent approach to patient care.