Postgraduate teaching-learning pattern for radiation oncology students in India - A survey-based analysis

Context: Teaching and training in Radiation Oncology is only at postgraduate level with 8-10 hours of theory sessions during undergraduate course. Uniform training during the post-graduation course across the country is a major challenge as many new concepts are introduced.<br /> Aim: This study is an effort to look into various aspects of training in terms of teaching-learning and assessment. In addition, we aim to look into innovative methods that can be implemented across the country.<br /> Settings and Design: This is a survey-based analysis.<br /> Methods and Materials: Postgraduate teaching institutes in Radiation Oncology were obtained from the National Medical Council and National Board of Examination websites. A questionnaire was created with Google form and sent to the heads of departments across the country. The data were entered on a spreadsheet and the responses were analyzed using Microsoft Excel sheet.<br /> Results: Thirty-five out of 87 institutes responded out of which 40% were government institutes. Twenty-six (74%) offered MD seats with 14 (40%) having less than five teachers and 13 (37.14%) with 5-10 teachers. With uniform teaching learning method across the country, there was wide variation in formative assessment patterns. There was consensus regarding inadequate exposure in research methodology and statistics.<br /> Conclusion: There is uniformity in teaching learning methods with differing patterns of formative assessment. Innovative methods focusing on affective and skill domains with competency-based medical education will help in bringing out a competent radiation oncologist.