Gaps in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Education in Oncology Fellowship Training

Moerdler S, DuVall AS, Hayes-Lattin B, Grimes A, Prasad PK, Molina JC, Monga V, Freyer DR, Roth ME. Gaps in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Education in Oncology Fellowship Training. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2024 Feb;13(1):97-104. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0056. Epub 2023 Jul 21. PubMed PMID: 37477884; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11071107.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15–39 years) with cancer experience disparities in care and outcomes compared with older/younger patients. AYAs receive care from medical and pediatric oncologists, however, little is known about the extent of training fellows receive. This needs assessment evaluating current AYA oncology (AYA-O) education in pediatric and medical oncology fellowship programs to identify knowledge gaps for curricular development. An anonymous, cross-sectional, web-based survey developed by pediatric and medical oncologists was sent to medical (n = 178) and pediatric (n = 119) hematology/oncology program directors (PDs) at 251 sites in the United States. PDs were asked to participate and distribute the survey to their fellows. Survey questions addressed current AYA curriculum, provider comfort, and priorities for future AYA educational content.