Abstract
Purpose
There has long been recognition for the need of education and training in aging and
cancer. As the proportion of older individuals in the United States increases, with
20% being over 65 by 2030, it will become increasingly important for hematology–oncology
trainees to have directed curriculum in geriatric-oncology.
Methods
In order to better define the best way to meet the need for educational material specific
to the special population of older patients for Oncology Training Programs, a survey
was developed and administered to Hematology–Oncology Program Directors, in order
to perform an educational needs assessment. The survey was administered during the
2008 Annual Meeting to 54 attendees at the Program Director's Breakfast. The survey
asked questions regarding general program characteristics, as well as the importance
of geriatric-oncology curriculum, a description of such current curriculum, the most
important topics to cover in the curriculum, and recommendations for the format of
the curriculum.
Results
The survey showed that 32% of training programs had a formal curriculum that covered
topics in geriatric-oncology, 56% had an informal curriculum, and 2% had no curriculum.
Most used a multimodality approach including clinical experience, journal clubs and
lectures. Most hematology–oncology fellowship directors believe curriculum in geriatric-oncology
is important; have faculty with either training or interest in geriatric-oncology
that could facilitate curriculum delivery; and would use a curriculum if it were readily
available.
Conclusion
Investment in developing content and curriculum in geriatric-oncology would be very
valuable and well-received.
Keywords
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Biography
Dr. Naeim received his MD from UCLA and is a board-certified geriatrician and medical oncologist. He has a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the RAND graduate school. He is Director of Geriatric-Oncology at UCLA as well as being Director of the Hematology–Oncology Fellowship Program and Director of Informatics for the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is Co-Chair of the Aging and Cancer Special Interest Group for the American Geriatrics Society and a Board Member of the International Society of Geriatric-Oncology. He is a past member of the ASCO Education and Clinical Practice Steering Committee.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 10,
2010
Received in revised form:
July 23,
2010
Received:
June 11,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
