Faculty Collaboration Database

Global Health in Radiation Oncology: The Emergence of a New Career Pathway. Semin Radiat Oncol 2017 Apr;27(2):118-123

Date

03/23/2017

Pubmed ID

28325237

DOI

10.1016/j.semradonc.2016.11.003

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85007354858 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   17 Citations

Abstract

The massive global shortfall in radiotherapy equipment and human resources in developing countries is an enormous challenge for international efforts in cancer control. This lack of access to treatment has been long-standing, but there is now a growing consensus about the urgent need to prioritize solutions to this problem and that a global strategy is required for them to be successful. An essential element of making radiotherapy universally accessible is a coordinated approach to clinical training and practice. This has been recently recognized by many university departments and clinical training programs. However, formalized training and career promotion tracks in global health within radiation oncology have been slow to emerge, thereby limiting the sustained involvement of students and faculty, and restricting opportunities for leadership in this space. We examine here potential structures and benefits of formalized global health training in radiation oncology. We explore how defining specific competencies in this area can help trainees and practitioners integrate their activities in global health within their existing roles as clinicians, educators, or scientists. This would also help create a new global health track for academic advancement, which could focus on such domains as implementation science, health service, and advocacy. We discuss how effective mentorship models, international partnerships, and institutional twinning arrangements support this work and explore how new resources and funding models might be used to further develop and expand radiation oncology services globally.

Author List

Rodin D, Yap ML, Grover S, Longo JM, Balogun O, Turner S, Eriksen JG, Coleman CN, Giuliani M

Author

John Maclou Longo MD Associate Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Career Choice
Developing Countries
Global Health
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Radiation Oncology