Building a Diverse Pathway into Radiation Oncology: The Initial 12-Year Experience of the ASTRO Medical Student Fellowship Program for Underrepresented Populations

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Historic radiation oncology (RO) workforce trends reveal underrepresentation and lack of inclusion of racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine (UIM). In 2010, ASTRO's Healthcare Access and Training Subcommittee - the predecessor of today's Committee on Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - launched the Medical Student Fellowship (MSF), which provides an 8-week clinical and research experience, ASTRO mentorship, and a $5,000 stipend. Here, we premier 12-year MSF outcomes to 1) characterize the cohort, 2) identify predictors of successfully awarded applicants, and 3) determine predictors for entering RO residency.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Demographic characteristics of MSF applicants were retrospectively analyzed. Primary endpoints were awarded MSF and RO match. Applicant data were collected from the ASTRO registry, MSF database, and online searches. Race, gender, medical school rank/region, mentor research center rank/region, application year, research type, RO residency affiliation, and award outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were tabulated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for factors associated with MSF award receipt and matching into RO residency for those who applied via the Match.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2022, there were 101 MSF applicants (74 Clinical and 27 Basic Science) for a total of 39 available funded MSF awards, with an overall MSF award rate of 39%. Applicants were 62% Black, 32% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), and 1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (NHPI). Women comprised 42% of applicants and 51% of awardees. Awardees were 72% Black, 26% Hispanic, and 3% NHPI. By region, awardees were from medical schools in the South (44%), Northeast (31%), Midwest (18%), West (5%), and Caribbean (2%). Since 2010, among applicants, 63% matched into residency and 40% matched to RO. Among the 21 MSF awardees eligible for the Match, 13 (62%) pursued RO with 100% matched into RO. On adjusted analysis, no significant factors predicted a successful MSF application. However, among those who entered residency the only variable that predicted matching into RO was a successful MSF award (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI = 1.1-11.2). To date, MSF awardees who completed RO residency entered academic careers post-residency.

CONCLUSION

The first 12 years of the MSF program demonstrate an overall high rate of recruitment and retention into RO. Retention of women and recruitment of Indigenous students in the MSF are an unmet need. Future efforts and increased funding are needed to further expand the MSF program, understand student barriers, provide longitudinal engagement, train mentors, and increase recruitment and retention of UIM groups in the field.