Introducing High School Students to Radiation Oncology Through a Case-Based School-Work Orientation Program: The...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiation Oncology
• Healthcare Professions

Background:

• Radiation oncology is crucial for cancer care but lacks student visibility.
• Early exposure to radiation oncology can enhance awareness of the discipline and its professional roles.
• This study assessed a case-based program's short-term educational impact on high school students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-term educational impact of a case-based school-work orientation program on high school students.
• To assess changes in students' knowledge of radiation oncology and awareness of professional roles.
• To gauge student attitudes and career interest in radiation oncology and related fields.

Main Methods:

• 80 high school students participated in an 18-hour classroom and 12-hour group activity program focused on a simulated clinical case.
• Students learned about the roles of radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians, medical physicists, and biomedical engineers.
• Anonymous pre- and post-program questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and career considerations.

Main Results:

• Post-program, all students identified radiotherapy as a cancer treatment, and 90% were informed about professional roles.
• Correct identification of the radiation oncologist's role increased significantly (33.3% to 71.7%).
• Misconceptions about radiation safety decreased, and modest increases in career interest were observed.

Conclusions:

• A case-based, multidisciplinary program improved radiotherapy knowledge and awareness of professional roles.
• The program effectively reduced misconceptions regarding radiation safety.
• This educational model shows promise for early exposure to radiation oncology and related STEM careers.