Survey of Hematology/Oncology Program Leaders on Equity and Global Health Opportunities for Fellows

Abstract

PURPOSE The study assesses the current state of global oncology (GO)/hematology training opportunities in US fellowship programs. METHODS We developed a comprehensive survey of 64-Likert multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The survey was electronically distributed to fellowship program leaders at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited adult hematology/oncology fellowships. Program directors received three reminders after which survey was sent to assistant program directors or division heads for programs not represented. RESULTS A total of 171 programs were eligible for the survey. We received 42 (24.6%) responses; 40 were included in the analysis, and two were excluded for declined consent and incomplete responses. The programs include large academic (81.6%) and community hospitals (10.5%). Of the respondents, 18 (48.6%) reported offering some opportunities for global health training, and half reported interest among current fellows. Most programs (29, 82.9%) had three or fewer faculty engaged in GO research. Institutional training grants were available in 15 (39.5%) programs, of which six (40%) allowed for global health research. Of the 18 programs offering global health training activities, most (15, 83.3%) report less than a quarter of their trainees currently participate in GO experiences. The most commonly perceived barriers to GO opportunities include competing priorities (85.3%) and lack of faculty mentors with GO-related experience (82.4%). Conversely, the most commonly perceived facilitators include established partnerships outside the United States (97.0%) and dedicated institutional funding (93.9%). CONCLUSION Our survey demonstrates that although there is significant interest among fellowship trainees, a minority of the fellowship programs offer GO opportunities. Providing GO opportunities would require programs to establish partnerships with institutions outside the United States and to have systematic approaches of addressing other barriers, including enhancing funding and mentorship.