Oncology education in Canadian undergraduate and postgraduate training programs.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the quality of oncology education in undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) training programs.


METHODS
We surveyed UG schools in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy as well as PG residencies in family and internal medicine to assess the programs' oncology content.


RESULTS
Among 58 UG and 26 PG programs nationwide, response rates were 58.6% and 69.2%, respectively. Cancer constituted <10% of the curriculum and <10% of the final examination in 70.6% and 58.8% of UG schools. For PG programs, most devoted more time to teaching other specialties: cardiology (89%), respirology (67%), nephrology (67%), and gastroenterology (61%).


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology is underrepresented in current curriculums.
Department of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Winson Y
WY
Cheung
Paula N
PN
Fishman
Sunil
S
Verma
D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000592:standards*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000592:standards*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching