Training of oncologists: results of a global survey

Competency-Based Workforce Development and Education in Global Oncology

The healthcare workforce plays a pivotal role in cancer care delivery, leadership, policy, education, and research in complex cancer systems. To ensure quality and relevance, health professionals must have the necessary competencies to deliver patient-centered and efficient care, coupled with the ability to work in teams and manage health resources wisely. This paper aims to review the concept of competency-based medical education (CBME) in the context of oncology to provide insights and guidance for those interested in adopting or adapting competency-based education in training programs. The results of a scoping review of CBME in oncology are presented here to describe the current status of CBME in oncology. The literature describing the implementation and evaluation of CBME in oncology training programs for medical professionals internationally is summarized and key themes identified to provide practical guidance for educators. Further, the paper identifies critical competencies for oncology education and training globally and presents recommendations and opportunities for collaboration in competency-based education and training in oncology. The authors argue for increased global collaboration and networking in the realm of CBME to facilitate the establishment of a competent global cancer care workforce.

Oncology Training Needs Assessment Among Health Care Professionals in Nigeria

This study investigated the status of training and preparedness for oncology practice and research and degree of interprofessional collaboration among health care professionals in the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria.

Innovative Strategies for Developing Biomarker-Informed Cancer Clinical Trials to Accelerate Progress in Precision Oncology in Sub-Saharan Africa

Well-designed, pragmatic, patient-centered clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries are essential to drive approval of more effective and less toxic cancer medicines to address the rising burden of cancer among populations in low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, through reverse innovation, clinical trials informed by genomic research enable development of precision medicine strategies for underserved populations within all populations. The African continent is home to many low- and middle-income countries; yet, it has seen very few cancer clinical trials. Considering that Africa is the cradle of humanity, with its diverse populations and geography, this represents a missed opportunity to understand the heterogeneity of cancer genomes and their implications for developmental therapeutics. Since 1998, the Nigerian Breast Cancer Study Group has striven to gain a better understanding of the root causes of breast cancer and accelerate progress in clinical research that will benefit the African ancestry diaspora globally through deployment of innovative "leapfrog" technologies. The University of Chicago supports interdisciplinary and interprofessional teams of researchers through the African Cancer Leaders Institute and in partnership with the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer. By fostering public-private partnerships, the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer can identify and integrate significant resources needed to build regional networks and establish clinical trial coordinating centers across African countries, enabling resources to be developed and shared equitably. Such resources include a standardized curriculum for specialist training in oncology, including medical oncology and oncology nursing, to increase the numbers of qualified team leaders and principal investigators. Adequate support for study participants-financial and psychosocial-and patient navigation services will be important in growing a clinical trials network. Finally, full participation of African clinical researchers in global oncology trials will ensure workforce retention in Africa and improve financial security and job satisfaction of health professionals on the African continent.