Advancing Resident Education: Experiential Success in the Creation of a Comprehensive Clinical Didactic Series in Radiation Oncology
Faculty and Abstracts
Purpose: An effective didactic curriculum is a key cornerstone for a successful residency program, as it is the basis upon which medical residents acquire the necessary knowledge and perspective to provide high-quality patient care. Here we describe our experience in creating a standardized curriculum – one that was well-received by both faculty and residents, and demonstrated marked efficacy on the national in-service exam.
Methodology: 150 topics were outlined in accordance with the clinical study guide from the American Board of Radiology. To accommodate this breadth of material, didactic frequency was increased from bi-weekly to daily. A teaching library of over 100 real world cases was created where consult notes, radiation plans, and follow-up notes were readily available for individual learning. Comprehensive dosimetric constraints were also compiled to aid residents in plan evaluation. To evaluate these curricular changes, anonymous questionnaires were provided to all residents and faculty. Resident performance on the annual in-service examination was anonymously collected.
Results: Prior to the introduction of the standardized curriculum, the average clinical percentage on the TXIT exam was 46%, equivalent to the 17th percentile. Within two years of full implementation of the new curriculum, both the mean percentage and percentile were markedly improved, with the mean percentage correct at 69.3% and the mean percentile at the 59th percentile (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Narrative feedback from both faculty and residents showed the curriculum to be well received and utilized frequently outside of standard didactic hours.
Conclusions: Here we demonstrate the significant value of a curated clinical curriculum within a radiation oncology residency. While there are certainly developmental challenges, addressing these barriers creates an education model that effectively imparts knowledge, fosters multidisciplinary thinking, and prepares residents for the diverse challenges of clinical practice in radiation oncology.
