Development of a Competency-Based Curriculum for Surgical Oncology Training in India

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cancer care in India faces increasing complexity, necessitating surgical oncologists with advanced multidisciplinary skills.
• Existing training may lack standardization, potentially impacting the quality of care and patient outcomes.
• Global standards need adaptation to India's unique healthcare landscape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a standardized national curriculum for Surgical Oncology training in India.
• To ensure consistent training, academic excellence, and improved patient outcomes.
• To create a framework adaptable for low- and middle-income countries.

Main Methods:

• Consensus-building among senior surgical oncology leaders through online and in-person deliberations.
• Mapping the curriculum framework across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains.
• Incorporating disease-specific competencies, research training, multidisciplinary exposure, and subspecialty rotations.

Main Results:

• A three-year competency-based curriculum integrating core surgical principles, advanced procedures, and holistic care.
• Emphasis on research, digital health, artificial intelligence, community health, ethics, and survivorship.
• Structured evaluation strategies including formative and summative assessments.

Conclusions:

• The proposed curriculum offers a structured, competency-based model for surgical oncology training in India.
• It aims to strengthen clinical, academic, and research capacities.
• Provides a roadmap for future subspecialization and adaptability for resource-limited settings.