A nationwide survey of the current status of radiation oncology teaching in Spanish medical schools

Background: The present study was designed to collect information on the current status of radiation oncology (RO) teaching in undergraduate medical schools in Spain. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with the support of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR). An anonymous questionnaire was sent in two waves, one month apart, between January and June 2022, to all Medical Schools and affiliated Institutions having radiotherapy departments throughout the country. Data on load, curricular location of OR, the academic course (or courses) in which the subject of OR was taught, and teachers position were recorded. Results: Responses were obtained from 26 of the 46 available Medical Schools (response rate 56.5%). The average number of theoretical classes was 13 (0-30), seminars: 4.5 (0-12) and hours of practical training 17 (0-60). The scientific content of RO was covered very evenly. Medical physics and radiobiology were taught with different extension in 24 medical schools (92.3%). Information on technological equipment, brachytherapy, indications, and clinical results was provided in all but one medical school. In 13 medical schools (50.0%) the contents of RO were taught in more than one course, but the distribution of RO teaching during the six years of undergraduate training was quite dispersed. The teaching staff included 4 full professors, 8 tenured professors, and 68 clinical associate professors. The average number of associate professors per medical school was 2.2. Also, the average number of full professors and tenured lecturers was 0.42 per medical school, although there were none in 16 centers. Conclusions: The overall teaching content of RO in Spanish medical schools seems appropriate but actions to improve the heterogeneity in the curricular location of RO and the shortage of teachers should be implemented.