Evaluation of NCI Designated Cancer Centers medical student education and training initiatives.

Abstract

9032 Background: The rising incidence of common cancers, an aging oncology workforce, and workforce shortages underscore the importance of medical education in oncology. However, U.S. medical students report that cancer education is underemphasized in their curriculum, and non-surgical oncology clerkships are infrequently required. Providing medical students with exposure to cancer care and research is crucial for encouraging them to pursue careers in oncology. This study evaluates the current landscape of medical student education and training initiatives at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers (NCIDCCs). Methods: In January 2025, we conducted a qualitative evaluation of the education and training webpages of NCIDCCs. Each webpage was reviewed to identify programs and training opportunities available to medical students. Programs specifically designed for medical students, as well as those for which medical students are eligible, were included. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 72 NCIDCCs, 71 had evaluable education and training webpages. The majority (n = 63, 89%) listed at least one education, training, or professional development initiative for medical students. Five institutions offered more than five programs for medical students. Most NCIDCC medical student initiatives focused on research training, with the most common opportunities being summer research fellowships, Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP), and travel awards. Only a few NCIDCCs listed clinical electives or internships among their offerings. Additionally, only 14 (20%) NCIDCCs advertised medical student programs focused on students from diverse backgrounds. Conclusions: Expanding cancer education and training in medical school is essential to addressing the growing need for an oncology workforce. While multiple research training opportunities exist at NCIDCCs, few cancer centers offer clinical electives or internships that provide medical students with direct exposure to clinical cancer care. Our analysis is limited to publicly available webpage listings; as a next step, we will conduct a survey of NCIDCC offices of education and training to further evaluate medical student initiatives. Given their multidisciplinary focus and integration of research with clinical care, NCIDCCs are uniquely positioned to develop and train the next generation of oncologists and clinical researchers through enhanced oncology education and training programs for medical students.