Enhancing Oncology Education: Effects of a Structured Enrichment Elective on Medical Student Engagement and Career Intentions.

Abstract

Despite cancer's significant impact on global health and its prevalence in clinical settings, oncology education in medical schools often remains fragmented and unstandardized, leaving many students feeling underprepared to care for patients with cancer. This study evaluates the implementation and impact of a 3-month oncology enrichment elective designed to address these educational gaps. From 2021 to 2024, we offered an oncology enrichment elective to medical students at a single institution. The curriculum included multidisciplinary didactic sessions and facility tours covering various oncology specialties. Data were collected through immediate post-course surveys and a 2025 longitudinal survey to assess both short and long-term impacts on students' oncology exposure and career interests. Students reported high satisfaction with the curriculum and its clinical relevance. The elective significantly enhanced exposure to underrepresented areas in oncology education, particularly radiation oncology and palliative care. Over two-thirds of respondents indicated the elective influenced their residency choice, with a similar proportion expressing interest in oncology careers. Thematic analysis revealed that students valued personalized faculty insights and requested more interactive learning experiences. An oncology enrichment elective effectively addresses gaps in cancer education during medical school, particularly during condensed pre-clerkship curricula. The model demonstrates potential for improving student comfort with oncology concepts and enhancing multidisciplinary understanding of cancer care. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to assess long-term impacts on knowledge retention and career trajectories.