Advances in cancer management: at what cost to medical student education?
BACKGROUND
Several studies have demonstrated concern over medical student exposure to cancer patients. Aim. To examine this concern and explore possible explanations.


METHODS
Surveys of Australian and New Zealand interns in 1990 and 2001 were compared to surveys of University of Western Australia graduates from 2002-2006.


RESULTS
Significant decreases in the number of interns who had examined cancer patients from 1990 to 2006 were evident, despite spending more time in oncology clinics.


CONCLUSIONS
Advances in patient management has resulted in a shift to ambulatory care reducing patient accessibility. Medical schools must identify means to provide students with adequate patent exposure.
Starmer
Darren L
DL
Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia. darren.starmer@health.wa.gov.au
Barton
Michael B
MB
D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum / Q000639:trends*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires