Twelve tips for teaching oncology to non-oncologists

Abstract

Background: Teaching subspecialty care to trainees who are not pursuing that subspecialty poses many challenges. These challenges are amplified in the teaching of oncology to non-oncologists because there are more new therapies emerging in oncology than in any other discipline, and there are few oncologic issues managed by generalists without consultation. Concurrently, there is an increasing need for generalists to manage many aspects of care for patients with cancer.

Aim: To provide 12 tips for oncologists to use to educate trainees on their oncology rotations.

Method: The tips provided are based upon the available literature and the authors’ own experience.

Results: The 12 tips presented offer specific strategies for oncologists to enhance their teaching by selection of appropriate content and enhancing delivery. Focus is placed on aspects of oncology that trainees are likely to encounter as a generalist or non-cancer subspecialist. While oncology is used as the case study, these strategies are adaptable to any subspecialty area.

Conclusion: Oncologists and other subspecialists can be core medical educators.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jason A. Freed

Jason A. Freed, MD, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Andrew J. Hale

Andrew J. Hale, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA.

Deepa Rangachari

Deepa Rangachari, MD, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Daniel N. Ricotta

Daniel N. Ricotta, MD, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.